Timing of behavioural transitions and sensory preferences in Camponotus ants (B05)

• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 208233609

We showed that daily thermal fluctuations experienced by pupae mediated via rhythmic nursing behaviour trigger structural changes in mushroom body (MB) synaptic complexes of adult Camponotus ants. In the 2nd phase we aim to build on these findings. As the interior-exterior transition is associated with major changes in sensory input, the peripheral and central nervous system must cope with new challenges like orientation, navigation, and learning and memory. We aim to reveal important insights into temperature-mediated plasticity of adult peripheral and central neuronal circuits and behaviour by asking: Does pupal thermal experience affect the timing of the interior-exterior transition? Does the environmental temperature affect seasonal changes in timing of daily activity rhythms?

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1047: Insect Timing: Mechanisms, Plasticity and Interactions
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Project Head: Dr. Claudia Groh-Baumann