Avoidant Learning Ability in Free Flying Housefly (Aldrichina grahami) by Electric Shock

Previous studies have confirmed that both honeybee and Drosophila are capable of learning and memory. This study aimed to investigate whether the house fly (Aldrichina grahami), with strong instincts to adapt their living environment, have the learning ability to associate odor stimulus to avoid electric shock in free flying state using a device developed by the authors. The result showed the learning ability of Aldrichina grahami at the electric shock voltages of 5 V, 25 V and 45 V AC. When 60 V was used, the flies were frequently injured. Our results indicate that Aldrichina grahami is a good model to study the neural mechanism of learning and memory. The paradigm in this study has some advantages that can be used in future studies of free insects.