Experience-dependent modification of orientational response to olfactory cues in larvae of Spodoptera littoralis

In a behavioral dual-choice test the orientational response of third-instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis to a certain odor could be increased, following a former experience of the odor. The odorants used were either the odor of a previously eaten host plant or a synthetic plant odor presented in conjunction with food. Inexperienced third-instar larvae were either neutral or demonstrated a weak attraction to the odors, whereas experienced larvae were highly attracted. Furthermore it was demonstrated that the larvae did not generalize between the odor previously experienced and a novel odor.