Recognition of prey species by their odors in the grasshopper mouse (Onychomys leucogaster )

This study examined the development of olfactory recognition of an insect prey by the northern grasshopper mouse. The approach was to feed different groups of mice a certain amount of house crickets, may beetles or mealworm larvae or varying numbers of house crickets and then measure a mouse's preference for discovering that particular species when presented these three insects buried in a grid pattern. A mouse preferentially sought out that species which it had eaten and required between 5 and 15 prior feeding experiences to develop that preference.