Using the Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) to teach olfactory-based discrimination and learned behavior

    

Giovanni Chahine, Rami Ezzeddine, and Kenneth G. Sossa

Advances in Biology Laboratory Education, 2025, Volume 45

https://doi.org/10.37590/able.v45.art2

Abstract

Learning occurs in humans and animals as a result of changes in experience that are detected through various sensory modalities. Olfactory sensation is a fundamental and highly utilized modality for many animals, especially insects. The scope and limit of insect olfactory learning have yet to be fully elucidated. Here we use adult Gromphadorhina portentosa to test the effects of starvation, sex, and food preference on olfactory-based discrimination in a 2-choice test. Fruits are used as attractants while a sulfur-containing compound (i.e. beta- mercaptoethanol – BME) is used to repel the cockroaches. Following a training period, results from single and paired choice tests reveal that cockroaches show preference and discrimination. Olfactory learning is further incentivized by food deprivation and only relieved with dog kibble (or another cockroach preference) once operant conditioning is established. This work showcases olfactory learning and memory in insects, a function vital for predator avoidance, mate selection, and food foraging.

Keywords:  Cockroaches, olfactory preference and discrimination, learning and memory, operant conditioning

University of Maryland (2024)