Learning helps tobacco hawkmoths to select a nectar source and oviposition site more efficiently

Max Planck researchers have gained new insights into the learning ability of tobacco hawkmoths. Learned odors influence the moths‘ preferences for certain flowers and host plants. One single deposited egg on a certain plant is sufficient for the moth’s choice to visit the same plant species again even after 24 hours. Olfactory sensory cells on the proboscis, on the other hand, play no role in learning.

Quelle: IDW Informationsdienst Wissenschaft