Effects of the Apterous Mutation on Drosophila Melanogaster Males' Courtship

Abstract

The apterous⁴ (ap⁴) mutation has pleiotropic effects on the morphology and lifespan of D. melanogaster adults. The mutation also affects one aspect of male sexual behaviour. Unlike normal, sexually mature males, three day old ap⁴ lap⁴ males synthesize courtship-stimulating hydrocarbons that immature males make; as a result they elicit vigorous courtship (Jallon and Hotta, 1979; Jallon et al., 1986). Data presented in this report indicate that expression of the apterous⁴ mutation does not affect all aspects of sexual maturation in males. Specifically, 24-30 hour old ap⁴ jap⁴ males are capable of performing all of the courtship behaviors, including abdominal vibration, a newly described response of mutant and wild-type males to virgin females. However, the mutant males spend less time courting and are less likely to perform some of the courtship behaviours than age-matched controls. These abnormalities are probably indirect effects of the apterous⁴ allele's previously unreported effects on the flies' motor functions, which include partial paralysis, lack of coordination, and sluggishness.

Key Words:

• courtship
• sexual behavior
• juvenile hormone