Project properties
Title <B><I>Why does it taste so different?</I> Exploring the neural basis of life-stage dependent taste perception in butterflies</I></B>
Group Entomology, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) Stefan Bonestroo
Examiner(s) Prof. dr. Marcel Dicke
Contact info stefan.bonestroo@wur.nl
Begin date 2023/02/20
End date
Description In the Large cabbage white butterfly (Pieris brassicae), the gustatory system plays an important role in both the larval and adult stage. Yet, cues can have different meanings depending on the life stage. For example, when a caterpillar tastes sinigrin (a glucosinolate), it will often start feeding. Interestingly, caterpillar will consume leaves they would normally not, as long as those leaves are sprayed with this compound (Thorsteinson 1953). In contrast, mated adult females will often start laying eggs when they taste sinigrin. Here, even a green paper disc can be sprayed with this glucosinolate, triggering an egg-laying response in most mated individuals (Chun and Schoonhoven 1973, Van Loon, Blaakmeer et al. 1992).

Potentially, these 2 different responses can be attributed to a difference in where in the brain gustatory neurons project to. In caterpillars, receptors sensitive to sinigrin can be found on so-called ‘taste sensilla’ on the antennae and the mouthparts. In adults, we find these receptors on sensilla on the antennae, but also on sensilla on the proboscis and the tarsi of the forelegs (Yang, Guo et al. 2021). However, it is not known whether gustatory neurons inside these sensilla project to different brain regions, depending on where on the body we trace them.

This project will use immunohistological techniques to trace gustatory neurons from different body parts, to see where in the brain these signals are received. Thus, a ‘gustatory perception map’ will be created for the different body parts’ responses to this particular glucosinolate. This project will provide valuable insight into the neural basis of life-stage dependent gustatory responses.
Used skills Confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology
Requirements For doing a BSc-thesis at Entomology, there are no requirements for specific courses.
For doing a MSc-thesis or internship at Entomology, the following requirements apply: ENT-30806 + a second ENT-course (preferably ENT-30306 or ENT-50806 or ENT-53806). As an alternative for the second ENT-course, PHP-30806 or BHE-30306 can be selected.

Note: these requirements do not apply for MBI students; MBI students should check the requirements for doing an ENT MSc-thesis or internship in the study programme of their specialization.