ConductVision Drosophila Package
$1,990 per yearA 5-year license is $3,990 in total.
The ConductVision license for Drosophila tests. It also scores the visual and olfactory apparatus, the open field, the heat maze and the shallow chamber.
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Drosophila Maze Array
SKU ME-8505
$1,780.00
$71.20/unit
IncludesStandard care
Multi-configuration maze array system for comprehensive Drosophila behavioral analysis including learning, memory, chemosensory preference, and locomotor behavior studies with automated tracking compatibility.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Drosophila
- SKU family
- ME-8505
- Shipping box
- 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- non-reflective acrylic, translucent material
The Drosophila Maze Array provides a comprehensive platform for investigating locomotor behavior, learning, memory, and sensory processing in Drosophila melanogaster. This multi-configuration system includes four distinct maze layouts (Y-maze, T-maze, straight, and cross configurations) with 25 units of each type, enabling parallel testing across 100 individual flies. The apparatus utilizes translucent materials with luminescent backdrop and controlled environmental parameters to standardize behavioral assessments.
The system supports diverse experimental paradigms including chemosensory preference testing, memory retention assays, phototaxis studies, and locomotor handedness analysis. Environmental controls maintain precise conditions at 25°C and 70% humidity with 2 L/min airflow, while compatibility with Noldus Ethovision XT enables automated tracking and quantitative behavioral analysis. The modular design accommodates olfactory conditioning protocols using standardized odor solutions and controlled shock delivery systems.
How It Works
The Drosophila Maze Array operates through controlled environmental manipulation and behavioral choice paradigms. The four-layer construction provides a translucent foundation with luminescent backdrop, enabling consistent visual stimulation under subdued red lighting conditions. Wall heights of 1/16 inch contain flies while allowing natural locomotor patterns. Environmental controls maintain standardized conditions with temperature regulation at 25°C, humidity at 70%, and continuous airflow at 2 L/min to prevent olfactory contamination between trials.
Behavioral protocols utilize starvation periods of 16-18 hours to enhance motivation, followed by 90-second acclimation periods before testing. Olfactory cues are delivered using standardized solutions (4-methylcyclohexane at 1:67 dilution and 3-octanol at 1:100 dilution in mineral oil) applied in 30μl volumes. Aversive conditioning employs 60-volt electrical stimulation for 60-second durations. The translucent construction and luminescent elements enable automated tracking systems to record locomotor patterns, choice behaviors, and spatial preferences with high temporal resolution.
Different maze configurations enable distinct experimental approaches: Y-mazes for binary choice assays, T-mazes for spatial learning tasks, straight configurations for locomotor activity, and cross configurations for complex navigation studies. The modular design allows researchers to select appropriate configurations based on specific research questions while maintaining standardized environmental conditions across all testing paradigms.
Features & Benefits
Four distinct maze configurations (Y, T, straight, cross) with 25 units each
Enables parallel testing of 100 flies across diverse behavioral paradigms including choice, learning, and locomotor analysis.
Translucent material construction with luminescent backdrop
Provides optimal visual conditions for automated tracking while maintaining consistent environmental stimulation.
Precise environmental control (25°C, 70% humidity, 2 L/min airflow)
Standardizes testing conditions to minimize confounding variables and ensure reproducible behavioral measurements.
1/16 inch wall height specification
Contains flies effectively while allowing natural locomotor patterns and preventing escape during extended testing periods.
Noldus Ethovision XT tracking compatibility
Enables automated data collection with high temporal resolution for quantitative analysis of complex behavioral patterns.
Standardized odor delivery system (30μl volume capacity)
Provides consistent chemosensory stimulation using validated olfactory compounds at precise concentrations.
60-volt electrical stimulation capability
Delivers controlled aversive conditioning with standardized shock parameters for learning and memory protocols.
16-18 hour starvation protocol integration
Enhances subject motivation and behavioral responsiveness through standardized pre-testing preparation procedures.
Add-ons and modifications
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| T (25 Units) | $1,780 | Lane Width: 0.13in wide Lane Length: 0.37 in long |
| Y (25 Units) | $1,780 | Lane Width: 0.13in wide Lane Length: 0.37 in long |
| + (25 Units) | $1,780 | Lane Width: 0.13in wide Lane Length: 0.37 in long |
| - (25 Units) | $1,780 | Lane Width: 0.13in wide Lane Length: 0.74 in long |
Add any of these to your quote request.
Wall Height
- 1/16 inch
Temperature Maintenance
- 25°C
Humidity Level
- 70%
Airflow Rate
- 2 L/min
Starvation Period
- 16 to 18 hours
Shock Duration
- 60 seconds
Acclimation Time
- 90 seconds
Odor Solutions
- ['4-methylcyclohexane (diluted at 1:67)', '3-octanol (diluted at 1:100) in mineral oil']
Odor Volume
- 30µl
Maze Configurations
- ['Y-maze', 'T-maze', '-', '+']
Luminescent Backdrop
- included
Lighting Conditions
- subdued red lighting
Behavioral Construct
- spatial learning
- memory formation
- chemosensory preference
- locomotor behavior
- decision making
- phototaxis
- olfactory conditioning
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Material
- non-reflective acrylic
- translucent material
Power/Voltage
- 60-volt
Species
- Drosophila
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- Learning & Memory
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Shipping weight
- 21.0 lb
Shipping box
- L: 43.2 cm
- W: 38.0 cm
- H: 27.9 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel Testing Capacity | 100 individual maze units across 4 configurations | Single or limited multi-unit systems | Enables high-throughput behavioral screening and statistical power through large sample sizes. |
| Environmental Control Integration | Maintains 25°C, 70% humidity, 2 L/min airflow | Basic systems often lack integrated environmental controls | Standardizes testing conditions to reduce variability and improve reproducibility across experiments. |
| Tracking System Compatibility | Designed for Noldus Ethovision XT integration | Many systems require manual observation or basic video recording | Provides automated quantitative analysis with high temporal resolution and objective behavioral measurements. |
| Stimulus Delivery Precision | Standardized 30μl odor volumes with specific dilution ratios | Manual stimulus application with variable dosing | Ensures consistent sensory stimulation across trials and enables reproducible conditioning protocols. |
| Construction Materials | Translucent materials with luminescent backdrop | Opaque or basic transparent materials | Optimizes automated tracking detection while providing controlled visual environment for behavioral studies. |
This maze array system provides comprehensive behavioral analysis capabilities through parallel testing, integrated environmental controls, and automated tracking compatibility. The standardized stimulus delivery and precise environmental parameters support reproducible research protocols across diverse experimental paradigms.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y (25 units) | ME-8505 | $1,780.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| T (25 units) | ME-8505 | $1,780.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| + (25 units) | ME-8505 | $1,780.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| - (25 units) | ME-8505 | $1,780.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
Neuroscience
Investigating spatial learning and memory formation in Drosophila using T-maze configurations with controlled odor cues and environmental parameters.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Screening genetic mutants and pharmacological compounds for effects on locomotor behavior, decision-making, and sensory-motor integration.
Learning & Memory
Quantifying memory retention and extinction curves following olfactory conditioning protocols with standardized training and testing phases.
Developmental Biology
Assessing age-related changes in behavioral performance and sensory processing capabilities across different life stages.
Toxicology
Evaluating neurotoxic effects on cognitive function and locomotor coordination using standardized behavioral endpoints.
Addiction Research
Studying preference behaviors and reward-seeking responses using choice paradigms in Y-maze configurations.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Verify electrical stimulation output at 60 volts before each experimental session using appropriate measuring equipment.
Why: Ensures consistent aversive conditioning strength across all trials and experimental groups.
Maintenance
Clean maze components with 70% ethanol between experimental sessions and allow complete drying before reassembly.
Why: Prevents olfactory contamination and maintains consistent baseline conditions for behavioral testing.
Best Practices
Randomize maze unit assignments across experimental groups and maintain detailed records of unit-specific performance.
Why: Controls for potential unit-to-unit variations and enables detection of systematic biases in behavioral data.
Data Quality
Monitor environmental parameters continuously during testing sessions and record any deviations from target values.
Why: Environmental fluctuations can significantly impact Drosophila behavior and must be accounted for in data analysis.
Troubleshooting
If tracking detection is inconsistent, verify luminescent backdrop function and adjust red lighting intensity as needed.
Why: Optimal visual contrast is critical for automated tracking accuracy and reliable behavioral measurements.
Safety
Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling odor solutions and electrical components.
Why: Chemical exposure and electrical hazards require proper safety protocols to protect laboratory personnel.
Best Practices
Implement consistent timing for starvation periods and acclimation phases across all experimental sessions.
Why: Temporal standardization reduces behavioral variability and improves experimental reproducibility.
Setup Guide
Environmental Preparation
Establish controlled environment with temperature at 25°C, humidity at 70%, and airflow rate of 2 L/min. Ensure subdued red lighting conditions are implemented.
Maze Configuration Selection
Select appropriate maze configuration (Y, T, straight, or cross) based on experimental requirements and assemble units on translucent foundation with luminescent backdrop.
Tracking System Integration
Connect and calibrate Noldus Ethovision XT tracking system to ensure proper detection of fly movement patterns within the translucent maze structure.
Odor Solution Preparation
Prepare standardized odor solutions (4-methylcyclohexane 1:67, 3-octanol 1:100 in mineral oil) and load 30μl volumes into designated delivery points.
Electrical Stimulation Setup
Configure 60-volt shock delivery system and verify proper function across all maze units before introducing experimental subjects.
Subject Preparation
Implement 16-18 hour starvation protocol for experimental flies and allow 90-second acclimation period in maze before data collection begins.
Protocol Execution
Initiate behavioral testing protocol with appropriate shock duration (60 seconds) and environmental controls, monitoring through tracking system for data collection.
What’s in the Box
- Maze array units: Y-maze (25), T-maze (25), straight (25), cross (25)
- Translucent foundation platforms with luminescent backdrop
- Non-reflective acrylic maze components
- Electrical stimulation delivery system (60-volt capacity)
- Environmental control monitoring equipment
- Odor delivery components and solution containers
- Setup and protocol documentation
- Noldus Ethovision XT integration guide (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering components and technical support for setup, calibration, and protocol optimization.
Compliance
IACUC GuidelinesCommonly used in behavioral studies subject to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee oversight for invertebrate research protocols.
NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNASupports behavioral phenotyping workflows in laboratories working with genetically modified Drosophila strains.
Q
What is the optimal starvation period for behavioral conditioning experiments?
A
The system is designed for 16-18 hour starvation periods to enhance subject motivation while maintaining physiological health for reliable behavioral responses.
Q
Can the maze configurations be used simultaneously for parallel testing?
A
Yes, the system includes 25 units each of Y, T, straight, and cross configurations, enabling parallel testing of up to 100 flies across different behavioral paradigms.
Q
What tracking software is compatible with this maze array?
A
The system is specifically designed for integration with Noldus Ethovision XT tracking software, utilizing the translucent construction and luminescent backdrop for optimal automated detection.
Q
How are environmental conditions maintained during extended testing periods?
A
The system maintains 25°C temperature, 70% humidity, and 2 L/min airflow rate through integrated environmental controls to ensure consistent conditions throughout experimental sessions.
Q
What odor concentrations are recommended for chemosensory preference testing?
A
Standard protocols use 4-methylcyclohexane at 1:67 dilution and 3-octanol at 1:100 dilution in mineral oil, delivered in 30μl volumes for consistent olfactory stimulation.
Q
Can the electrical stimulation parameters be adjusted for different conditioning protocols?
A
The system provides 60-volt stimulation capability with 60-second duration settings; consult product datasheet for parameter modification options.
Q
What is the recommended acclimation time before behavioral testing?
A
The protocol includes 90-second acclimation periods to allow subjects to adjust to the maze environment before data collection begins.
Have a question about this product?
Score these tests with ConductVision
ConductVision is our video-tracking software. Record your sessions on video, and it reports the measures listed below.
What it measures in each test
Maze Array
- Turn Counts
- Turn Bias Score
- Locomotor Handedness
- Velocity
Phototaxis
- Phototaxis Index
- Response Latency
- Light-Zone Time
- Dark Avoidance
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Drosophila Maze Array
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