NEUROBIOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY Behavioral and Physiological Response of Musca domestica to Colored Visual Targets

A better understanding of the visual attraction of house ßies to colors and patterns is needed to improve ßy trap performance. This study combined physiological responsesmeasuredwith electroretinogram studies of the house ßyÕs compound eyes and ocelli with behavioral attraction of ßies to reßective colors and patterns in light tunnel assays. Compound eye and ocellar electroretinogram responses to reßected lightwere similar, with the largest responses towhite and blue followed by yellow, red, green, and black. However, data from light tunnel behavioral assays showed that ßies were attracted towhite andblue light butwere repelled by yellow. The addition of a black line pattern enhanced the attractiveness of blue visual targets, whereas yellow lines decreased attractiveness. Sensory input from the compound eye and the ocellus seems to be integrated to direct ßy behavior. There is a direct correlation of house ßy attractiveness to visual targets and the intensity of electrophysiological response, except for the yellow targets, which repel ßies despite of intense electrophysiological response.