Habitat marking: Parallel genetic divergence in two Drosophila species

Abstract

Male populations of both the sibling species D. melanogaster and D. simulans are preferentially attracted to sites marked by the residual odours of females derived from their own geographic populations (Melbourne vs. Townsville), when cultured under uniform laboratory conditions. This indicates genetic variation for olfactory response to female odours. Parallel habitat marking therefore occurs at the intraspecific level in these two species, suggesting the possibility of an association with resource divergence. Significant and repeatable habitat marking was found for two isofemale strains from the Melbourne population of D. melanogaster. This means that this trait is potentially amenable to genetic analysis. © The Genetical Society of Great Britain.