Data underlying the publication "Loss of olfaction reduces caterpillar performance and increases susceptibility to a natural enemy"

This project aims to evaluate the significance of olfaction in a butterfly species Pieris brassicae. By knocking out the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco), the larval brain structure and adult oviposition changes confirmed the successful knockout. The changes in knockout caterpillars in optimal host-plant seeking, performance under the attack of natural enemies and behavioral preference to plant volatiles suggested the critical importance of olfaction in caterpillars in the tri-trophic interactions.