Y-tube olfactometer assay

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Method synopsis

Controlled choice experiments measuring butterfly oviposition preference between plant species using matched plant materials in screen cages. Preference quantified as proportion of eggs laid on test plant versus control.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 18 papers using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Novel host unmasks heritable variation in plant preference within an insect population (2022), Evolution. The protocol was originally introduced by Flower preference and constancy in four butterfly species (2007). Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Whole plant choice assay setup
   Plants were transplanted from field into 10-cm-square pots filled with local soil. T. arvense and C. cordifolia plants were size-matched by estimated leaf area and phenology when possible. One pot each of T. arvense and C. cordifolia was placed in separate 0.23 × 0.23 × 0.23 m screen cages. Empty space filled with neutral substrate (crumpled newspaper) for butterfly landing.
   Quantities: 1 pot each of T. arvense and C. cordifolia per cage, size-matched by leaf areaDuration: Individual assays lasted until butterfly laid eggs or diedConditions: Room temperature in screen cages, plants matched phenologically
   Equipment: 10-cm-square pots, local soil, 0.23 × 0.23 × 0.23 m screen cages, crumpled newspaper
2. Cut stem choice assay setup
   Cut stems bearing undamaged leaves were placed in separate 10-cm-deep florist picks with water. T. arvense and C. cordifolia stems were matched by size and phenology when possible. A dandelion flower (Taraxacum officinale) was placed in a florist pick and spritzed with 25% honey-water twice daily to supplement nectar.
   Quantities: 2 stems per species per cage, matched by size and phenology when possible. 65 P, 44 F1, and 121 F2 females tested in 2006Duration: Assays conducted over multiple days until eggs laid or butterfly diedConditions: Laboratory conditions with supplemental nectar provided twice daily
   10-cm-deep florist picks, 25% honey-water solution, Taraxacum officinale flowers

Typical Equipment

• 0.23 × 0.23 × 0.23 m screen cages
• 10-cm-square pots
• florist picks
• filter paper disks
• clear plastic cages

Output Measurements

• oviposition preference
• proportion of eggs on target host

Papers Using This Protocol (18)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used