Replication Data for "Cool and Warm Ionotropic Receptors Control Various Thermotaxes in Drosophila Larvae"

Animals are continuously exposed to temperature fluctuations throughout their lives, some fast and some slow. Temperature-sensing systems detect such changes and assist animals in avoiding potentially harmful thermal extremes. This process, however, is not fully understood. In this study, we set up apparatuses to mimic fast and slow temperature changes. We tested behavioral responses of fruit fly larvae to understand how temperature-sensing systems detect different rates of temperature variation. Fly larvae choose a low temperature in response to fast temperature changes, but a higher temperature to slow temperature variations. Fly larvae have at least three innocuous temperature-sensing systems, which detect warm and cool temperatures that do not cause tissue damage. All three systems function in detecting both fast and slow temperature changes. Importantly, they collaborate in different ways to help larvae to make the best decisions in response to different rates of temperature fluctuation.