Effects of genotype and acoustic experience on expression of sensory perception genes in a Hawaiian field cricket (Teleogryllus oceanicus)

A recently evolved morph of the Hawaiian field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus does not produce song as a result of selection pressures from an acoustically-orienting parasitoid fly. Lacking song production, behavioural adaptations have moulded its mating strategies, including increased engagement in satelite behaviour, increased response to male calling song and higher locomotion in silent conditions. This project used RNA-Seq reads to conduct differential gene expression analysis of T. oceanicus cephalic and tympanic tissue to test whether differences in sensory perception and processing are at the root of behavioural responses to acoustic stimulus in this species.