Protocol for studying parasitoid-induced long-term effects in Drosophila.

Abstract

Drosophila and its parasitoids provide an ecologically relevant model for studying host-parasitoid biology, focusing on the behavioral and physiological responses involved in host defensive strategies and parasitoid countermeasures. Here, we outline a protocol for rearing Pachycrepoideus, a pupal parasitoid wasp, and a behavioral assay to assess the long-term impact of parasitoid exposure on adult Drosophila. We detail the steps for preparing and cohabiting Drosophila with the wasps, documenting egg-laying, and analyzing reproductive responses and eclosion in fruit flies. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Sadanandappa et al.¹.