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, foll owing a former experience of the odor. The odorants used were either the od or of a previously eaten host plant or a synthetic plant odor presented in conjunction with food. Inexperienced third-instar larvae were either neutra l or demonstrated a weak attraction to the odors, whereas experienced larva e were highly attracted. Furthermore it was demonstrated that the larvae di d not generalize between the odor previously experienced and a novel odor.