Behavior genetics of choice of oviposition sites in Drosophila melanogaster. I. Genetic variability and analysis of behavior.

Females of Drosophila melanogaster were given a choice of oviposition site either on the surface of the medium or on the surface of paper positioned vertically on the medium. A significant difference was seen in the proportion of eggs deposited on the paper among wild strains of different geographic origins. Bidirectional selection for oviposition on these two sites was effective. These selected lines were examined under various conditions to determine the factors involved in this site selection for oviposition. The lines that chose medium laid eggs only on substrates into which eggs could be inserted. The lines preferring paper showed no strict requirement for burying their eggs. Tarsal sensillae were involved in site discrimination.