ABSTRACT
Several asymmetrical lateralized behaviors can be investigated in Drosophila. In addition to wing folding behavior, Drosophila may be scored for directional choices in mazes and for several laterally classifiable behaviors used in courtship. Drosophila males employ three behavioral traits in courtship that can be distinctly classified as right or left behaviors: circling, tapping, and wing extension. The chapter examines laterality of courtship behavior in families of Drosophila siblings to determine whether lateral consistency appears within families. Fruit flies, Drosophila, are the small brownish insects commonly seen around decaying fruit. Stock fruit fly culture; anesthetization apparatus; aspirators; transparent observation chamber; binocular dissecting microscope with cool light source, or 4x hand lens. The activities of each couple should be observed under a low power binocular dissecting microscope, with continuous cool light, over a period of 30 min or until copulation takes place.
