Differential Spectral Sensitivity Influences Mating, Development, and Reproduction in Group-Housed Drosophila...

Light is an important factor affecting the behavior and physiology of organisms. As a phototactic organism, studying the effects of different colors of light on the mating, development, and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster helps elucidate the important influence of spectral sensitivity on organisms. This study explored the effects of white light (400 lux, control), green light (400 lux, wavelength to which fruit flies are most spectrally sensitive), red light (400 lux, wavelength to which fruit flies are least spectrally sensitive), and dim-green light (225 lux, green-band irradiance matched to the white control) on the sexual vitality, development, and reproductive capacity of fruit flies under group-housed conditions. The results revealed that 1 h of green light exposure per day significantly shortened mating latency and mating duration, accelerated pupation time, raised the egg‑to‑pupa conversion rate, and increased the number of offspring. In contrast, there was no significant difference in various indicators between the white, red, and dim-green light groups. This study explored the important role of light intensity and spectral sensitivity in regulating the mating and reproduction processes of fruit flies and provides more evidence for comparative research on the behavioral and physiological effects of light on different organisms.