The role of learning in the oviposition behavior of the silkworm moth (Bombyx mori).

Highlights • Silkworm moths can learn. • Oviposition decisions are mediated by Pavlovian conditioning. • The Hopkins Host Selection Principle is replicated in the silkworm. • This is evidence for the important adaptive role of Pavlovian conditioning. Abstract One of the most relevant behaviors in the life of some insects is oviposition, because reproductive fitness largely depends on the choice of egg-laying site. We report one experiment that explored the influence of Pavlovian conditioning on oviposition choices of the silkworm. Our results show that moths that jointly experienced an odor (conditioned stimulus) and mulberry leaves (the preferred oviposition place for the moths) preferred to lay their eggs near the odor when it was present, whereas moths in which the odor and the mulberry leaves never appeared together showed no preference. This result provides evidence of the important role that a psychological process such as Pavlovian conditioning has for the survival of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]