our networks
tlcanimal planetthe science channelmilitary channelthe health channel
site search
shop now
 
 

Moths Remember Caterpillar Life

Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News
    print
 

Photos

Moth Memory
Moth Memory
 

March 6, 2008 -- During the dramatic transformation from caterpillar to moth, memories and minds remain at least somewhat intact, according to a new study.

Published in this week's PLoS ONE, the study found that moths and perhaps butterflies often recall what they learn as ground-dwelling insects, revealing how resilient memory may be.

"Caterpillars are built for crawling and chewing plant material, while moths and butterflies are built for flying and drinking nectar," explained Douglas Blackiston, who led the recent study. "As such, the adult butterfly must rearrange its digestive system and develop distinct muscles for flight and walking on its long legs."

The morphing caterpillar's brain also grows in size and complexity to reflect the insect's drastic lifestyle transition. Whether its memories endure during those changes was a mystery, until now.

To test more specifically what goes on in the insect's mind during metamorphosis, Blackiston and his colleagues borrowed tobacco hornworm caterpillar larvae from the North Carolina State University Insectary in Raleigh, N.C. The researchers conditioned the caterpillars to avoid the chemical ethyl acetate, which smells like pear juice.

Blackiston conducted the research in the labs of developmental biologist Elena Casey and behavioral ecologist Martha Weiss at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Since caterpillars don't naturally avoid ethyl acetate, the researchers gave some of the insects a mild electrical shock whenever they encountered it. The insects quickly learned to avoid the telltale odor.

After the caterpillars morphed into moths, the scientists exposed them to the chemical again.

Zoo Logic: Poison Dart Frog

 
 
advertisement

Download Animal News at Bottom!

 
newsletter
 

Sponsored Links

 
SITE SEARCH
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS
CREDITS Richard Vogt |
DISCOVERY SITES Discovery Channel / TLC / Animal Planet / Discovery Health / Science Channel / Planet Green / Discovery Kids / Military Channel /
Investigation Discovery / Discovery Home / HD Theater / Turbo / FitTV / HowStuffWorks / TreeHugger / Petfinder / PetVideo / Discovery Education
VIDEO Discovery Channel Video Player
SHOP Toys / Games / Telescopes / DVD Sets / Planet Earth DVD Sets / Gift Ideas
CUSTOMER SERVICE Contact Us / Free Newsletters / RSS / Sitemap / TV FAQs
CORPORATE Discovery Communications, LLC / Advertising / Careers @ Discovery / Privacy Policy / Visitor Agreement
ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of Tuesday, October 30, 2007. To see the new policy, click here. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.