Protocol to measure temporal consumption and feeding choices of Drosophila adults using capillaries

Here, we present a high-throughput assay for continuously measuring the consumption and feeding choices of individual Drosophila adults over periods of 30 min to several hours. We describe steps for starving flies, introducing flies, filling capillaries, and monitoring consumption from capillary tubes. We then detail procedures for the automated collection of observations and the analysis of the results. This simple, low-cost protocol enables high-precision recording of the consumption and feeding choices of adult flies. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Colombi¹ and Richard et al.².