Genetic analysis ofDrosophila melanogaster egg insertion behavior

The tendency ofDrosophila melanogaster females to insert eggs into the substrate was analyzed by a diallel cross among five inbred lines from different geographic origins. The trait showed a great deal of additive genetic variation. The directional dominance effect was found to be large, indicating past directional selection for a strong tendency to insert eggs into the medium. Some maternal effect may also be present. Contrary to Takamura and Fuyama (Behav. Genet. 10:105–120, 1980), no relation was found between the tendency to insert eggs in the medium and the choice between a hard (paper) or soft (culture medium) oviposition surface. Lines, which did differ in the tendency to bury their eggs did not differ in the choice of oviposition site.