Description
High-Throughput Analysis of Drosophila Feeding Behavior
FLIC System Quantifies Feeding Behavior
The FLIC system provides a precise and continuous quantification of the number and duration of interactions a fly has with food. It complements conventional methods of analysis, such as the CAFE assay and tracer dye approaches, by allowing comprehensive long-term studies of new and subtle aspects of feeding behavior.
The fruit fly is one of the most powerful model systems in which to dissect neural mechanisms of complex behavior such as feeding, allowing researchers to study mechanisms of feeding preference and behavior using genetic and pharmacological means. Detailed analysis of food intake facilitates discovery in fields as diverse as aging, metabolism, and neurobiology.
Top View
Distinguish Feeding From Tasting
FLIC system analog signals demonstrate distinct behavioral characteristics of feeding (left) and tasting (right).
Automated, Real-Time Data Collection
Representative signals from a single fly presented with a two-food-well feeding arena.
Capture Changes in Food Preference Over Time
The FLIC system’s real-time monitoring can capture a fly’s subtle changes in food preference, shown as the preference index (PI), as the experiment progresses.
Detect Patterns in Feeding Behavior
A multi-day feeding experiment without experimenter’s disturbance revealed circadian rhythm in feeding behavior for the first time.
New OptoLid for Optogenetics
The FLIC OptoLid provides optical stimulation to individual flies in individual wells in a flexible and programmable fashion. The OptoLid is a drop-in replacement for the standard 6-well or 12-well chamber lid. The OptoLid includes a high-intensity LED positioned directly above each feeding well. There are three standard color light choices; Red (627nm), Green (530nm), and Blue (472nm) as well as custom wavelength LED’s.
Ro J, Harvanek ZM, Pletcher SD (2014) FLIC: High-Throughput, Continuous Analysis of Feeding Behaviors in Drosophila. PLoS ONE 9(6): e101107. doi:10.
