Song Torrent: A modular, open-source 96-chamber audio and video recording apparatus with optogenetic activation and inactivation capabilities forDrosophila

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundManyDrosophilaspecies use acoustic communication during courtship and studies of these communication systems have provided insight into neurobiology, behavioral ecology, ethology, and evolution.RecordingDrosophilacourtship sounds and associated behavior is challenging, especially at high throughput, and previously designed devices are relatively expensive and complex to assemble.ResultsWe present construction plans for a modular system utilizing mostly off-the-shelf, relatively inexpensive components that provides simultaneous high-resolution audio and video recording of 96 isolated or pairedDrosophilaindividuals.We provide open-source control software to record audio and video.We designed high intensity LED arrays that can be used to perform optogenetic activation and inactivation of labelled neurons.The basic design can be modified to facilitate novel study designs or to record insects larger thanDrosophila.Fewer than 96 microphones can be used in the system if the full array is not required or to reduce costs.ImplicationsOur hardware design and software provide an improved platform for reliable and comparatively inexpensive high-throughput recording ofDrosophilacourtship acoustic and visual behavior and perhaps for recording acoustic signals of other small animals.