Babin_et_al_Data.xlsx from <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> bioinsecticide influences <i>Drosophila</i> oviposition decision

Behavioural avoidance has obvious benefits for animals facing environmental stressors such as pathogen-contaminated foods. Most current bioinsecticides are based on the environmental and opportunistic bacterium <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> (<i>Bt</i>) that kills targeted insect pests upon ingestion. While food and oviposition avoidance of <i>Bt</i> bioinsecticide by targeted insect species was reported, this remained to be addressed in non-target organisms, especially those affected by chronic exposure to <i>Bt</i> bioinsecticide such as <i>Drosophila</i> species. Here, using a two-choice oviposition test, we showed that female flies of three <i>Drosophila</i> species (four strains of <i>D. melanogaster</i>, <i>D. busckii</i> and <i>D. suzukii</i>) avoided laying eggs in the presence of <i>Bt</i> var. <i>kurstaki</i> bioinsecticide, with potential benefits for the offspring and female's fitness. Avoidance occurred rapidly, regardless of the fraction of the bioinsecticide suspension (spores and toxin crystals versus soluble toxins/components) and independently of the female motivation for egg laying. Our results suggest that, in addition to recent findings of developmental and physiological alterations upon chronic exposure to non-target <i>Drosophila</i>, this bioinsecticide may modify the competitive interactions between <i>Drosophila</i> species in treated areas and the interactions with their associated natural enemies.