Protocols for Olfactory Conditioning Experiments

Insects have sophisticated learning abilities despite the relative simplicity of their central neural systems, which consist of small numbers of neurons as compared to vertebrates. Among insects, crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus) exhibit the most robust olfactory learning and memory. In this chapter, we describe protocols for classical conditioning and memory retention tests in crickets. Crickets are individually trained to associate an odor (conditioned stimulus) with water reward (appetitive unconditioned stimulus). To evaluate the effect of training, relative preference between the conditioned odor and a control odor is tested before and after training. We describe the methodology of olfactory conditioning in detail to help researchers who are interested in using crickets to study learning and memory.