Cross-generation pheromonal communication drives Drosophila oviposition site choice

In a heterogeneous and changing environment, oviposition site selection strongly affects the survival and fitness of the offspring.1,2 Similarly, competition between larvae affects their prospects.3 However, little is known about the involvement of pheromones in regulating these processes.4,5,6,7,8 Here, we show that mated females of Drosophila melanogaster prefer to lay eggs on substrates containing extracts of conspecific larvae. After analyzing these extracts chemically, we test each compound in an oviposition assay and find that mated females display a dose-dependent preference to lay eggs on substrates spiked with (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (OE). This egg-laying preference relies on gustatory receptor Gr32a and tarsal sensory neurons expressing this receptor. The concentration of OE also regulates larval place choice in a dose-dependent manner. Physiologically, OE activates female tarsal Gr32a+ neurons. In conclusion, our results reveal a cross-generation communication strategy essential for oviposition site selection and regulation of larval density.