用模块化腔室与 DrosoMating 软件精确测量雄性 Drosophila 求偶的多种时间指标
Simple methods to acutely measure multiple timing metrics among the sexual repertoire of male Drosophila
一套模块化腔室系统配合自动化软件 DrosoMating，可在受控条件下量化雄性 Drosophila 求偶过程中的六项关键时间指标，包括求偶潜伏期、交配潜伏期（CL）和交配时长（MD）。该方法基于视频图像分析识别求偶与交配事件并测定其时间与时长，验证显示误差率低于 0.05%，对 CL、CI 和 MD 与人工评分的一致率为 98–99%。该流程支持遗传与神经回路操作，可检测细微的遗传、社会与环境行为差异，减少人工评分负担并标准化数据采集，为行为遗传学提供可重复的时间指标。
来源：eLife · doi.org
Male Drosophila courtship behavior is a key model for studying temporal decision-making. While courtship index (CI) is widely used to quantify mating activity, other timing metrics like courtship latency, copulation latency (CL), and mating duration (MD) remain understudied. Traditional methods for quantifying these behaviors are often labor-intensive and prone to human error. In this study, we present a protocol combining a modular chamber system and automated software (DrosoMating) to quantify six key timing metrics during male courtship. Our image-based video analysis enables precise identification of courtship and copulation events, as well as quantification of their timing and duration under controlled conditions. Validation shows <0.05% error rates and 98–99% agreement with manual scoring for CL, CI, and MD. The protocol supports genetic and neural circuit manipulations, detecting subtle genetic, social, and environmental behavioral variations. By minimizing manual effort and standardizing data collection, this approach facilitates scalable, reproducible studies on adaptive trade-offs, learning, and neural mechanisms in mating behavior. This method streamlines timing analysis in male courtship, offering reproducible metrics for behavioral genetics.