ConductVision Drosophila Package
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Drosophila Y Maze
SKU ME-DYM-10U
$1,290.00
$129.00/unit
IncludesStandard care
Y-shaped behavioral maze for studying learning and memory in Drosophila melanogaster through two-choice discrimination assays.
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-DYM
- Sizing
- Drosophila Y Maze Apparatus: Dimensions: 23cm x 15cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Drosophila Y Maze is a behavioral testing apparatus designed for studying learning and memory processes in Drosophila melanogaster. The apparatus features a Y-shaped configuration with two choice arms, enabling researchers to conduct associative learning experiments where flies must discriminate between rewarded and non-rewarded pathways. This paradigm allows for systematic analysis of choice behavior, spatial memory formation, and learning plasticity in fruit flies.
The system provides a controlled environment for investigating the neural and genetic mechanisms underlying cognitive processes in Drosophila. Researchers can manipulate genetic, environmental, and pharmacological variables while measuring behavioral responses across multiple trials. The apparatus supports studies of memory acquisition, retention, and retrieval, making it valuable for research into the molecular basis of learning and the effects of genetic mutations on cognitive function.
How It Works
The Drosophila Y Maze operates on the principle of two-choice discrimination learning, where individual flies are presented with a binary decision between two maze arms. During training trials, one arm is paired with a positive stimulus (typically food reward or preferred environmental condition) while the other remains unrewarded or may contain an aversive stimulus. The fly's initial choice is recorded, and following exposure to the reward contingency, the animal is returned to the choice point for subsequent trials.
Learning is quantified by measuring the change in choice preference over multiple trials, with successful acquisition indicated by an increase in selections of the rewarded arm above chance levels. The paradigm leverages the fly's natural foraging behavior and ability to form associative memories between spatial locations and reward outcomes. Memory retention can be assessed by introducing delays between training and testing phases, while memory extinction can be studied by removing reward contingencies during probe trials.
Features & Benefits
Y-shaped maze configuration
Provides clear two-choice discrimination paradigm for studying decision-making and preference learning in fruit flies
Two-arm design
Enables systematic comparison of rewarded versus non-rewarded pathways for robust learning assessments
Drosophila-specific dimensions
Optimized scale and proportions ensure appropriate behavioral responses and natural movement patterns in fruit flies
Multiple unit availability
Available in sets of 6 or 10 units to support high-throughput behavioral screens and replicate studies
Standardized behavioral paradigm
Follows established protocols for learning and memory research, enabling comparison with published literature
Simple operation design
Minimizes experimental complexity while maintaining robust behavioral readouts for genetic and pharmacological studies
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Drosophila Y Maze Apparatus |
|---|---|
| Size | Dimensions: 23cm x 15cm |
- 10 sets of 10 Y mazes
- 100 total Y Maze units
- Dimensions: 23cm x 15cm
Maze Shape
- Y-shaped
Number of Arms
- 2
Test Type
- Behavioral learning and memory
Behavioral Construct
- Learning and Memory
- Decision Making
- Spatial Cognition
- Choice Behavior
- Associative Learning
Automation Level
- manual
Species
- Drosophila
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maze Configuration | Y-shaped design with two choice arms | T-maze configurations with perpendicular arm arrangements | Y-shaped geometry provides more natural choice angles and reduces directional biases in fly navigation |
| Unit Availability | Available in sets of 6 units or 10 sets of 10 units | Individual units or smaller batch sizes | Bulk configurations enable high-throughput genetic screens and large-scale behavioral studies |
| Species Optimization | Specifically designed for Drosophila melanogaster | Generic maze designs adapted from rodent paradigms | Drosophila-specific scaling ensures appropriate behavioral responses and natural movement patterns |
| Behavioral Paradigm | Two-choice discrimination learning protocol | Multi-arm radial maze designs with higher complexity | Simplified choice structure enables clear learning metrics while maintaining robust behavioral readouts |
This Y-maze system provides Drosophila-optimized dimensions with bulk unit availability for high-throughput studies. The Y-shaped configuration offers natural choice geometry compared to T-maze alternatives while maintaining the simplicity needed for genetic screens.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Sets of 10 Units | ME-DYM-10U | $1,290.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
| 1 set of 6 units | ME-DYM | $150.00 | Available | 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm |
Behavioral Pharmacology
Testing the effects of neuroactive compounds on learning acquisition and memory consolidation in fruit fly models.
Learning and Memory
Investigating the neural mechanisms of associative learning and spatial memory formation in Drosophila behavioral paradigms.
Neuroscience
Analyzing the relationship between specific neural circuits and cognitive behaviors through genetic manipulation studies.
Neurodegeneration
Assessing learning and memory deficits in Drosophila models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Developmental Biology
Examining how developmental timing and genetic programs influence the maturation of learning and memory circuits.
Addiction Research
Studying reward-seeking behaviors and preference conditioning in Drosophila models of addiction and substance abuse.
Practical Tips
Best Practices
Conduct pilot studies to determine optimal reward strength and trial timing for your specific fly strain.
Why: Different genetic backgrounds may show varying learning rates and motivation levels requiring protocol optimization.
Maintenance
Clean maze thoroughly between different genetic strains to prevent contamination of behavioral responses.
Why: Residual odors or pheromones from previous flies can influence choice behavior in subsequent experiments.
Data Quality
Record environmental conditions and time of day for each testing session to identify potential confounding variables.
Why: Drosophila activity and learning performance can vary significantly with circadian rhythms and environmental factors.
Best Practices
Use age-matched flies and standardize food deprivation periods before testing when using food rewards.
Why: Consistent hunger levels and developmental stage ensure reliable baseline motivation for reward-based learning.
Troubleshooting
If flies show strong side preferences, rotate maze orientation between trials or use counterbalanced reward placement.
Why: Inherent spatial biases can mask learning effects and reduce the sensitivity of behavioral measurements.
Data Quality
Include control groups with no reward to distinguish learned preferences from random choice patterns.
Why: Control conditions help validate that observed behavioral changes represent true associative learning rather than habituation effects.
Best Practices
Allow adequate inter-trial intervals to prevent fatigue while maintaining memory consolidation windows.
Why: Proper trial spacing optimizes both behavioral performance and the formation of stable memory traces.
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect
Remove maze components from packaging and verify all parts are present and undamaged. Check for cracks or defects in the maze walls that could affect fly containment.
Assembly Setup
Assemble the Y-shaped maze structure according to manufacturer specifications. Ensure all joints are secure and the choice point provides clear access to both arms.
Environmental Preparation
Place the apparatus in a controlled environment with appropriate lighting and temperature conditions. Position recording equipment if behavioral tracking is required.
Reward Preparation
Prepare reward stimuli such as food sources or preferred environmental conditions. Place rewards in the designated arm according to experimental protocol.
Fly Acclimation
Allow flies to acclimate to the testing environment and handle individual flies gently to minimize stress before behavioral testing.
Protocol Validation
Conduct pilot trials to verify proper fly movement through the maze and confirm reward accessibility. Adjust timing parameters as needed.
Data Collection Setup
Establish consistent procedures for recording choice behaviors, trial timing, and environmental conditions throughout the experiment.
What’s in the Box
- Y-maze apparatus components (6 or 10 units depending on configuration selected)
- Assembly hardware (typical)
- User manual with protocol guidelines (typical)
- Maintenance instructions (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
IACUC GuidelinesSupports behavioral studies conducted under institutional animal care and use committee oversight for invertebrate research protocols.
Laboratory Animal Welfare StandardsUsed in research facilities following established guidelines for invertebrate model organism care and experimental procedures.
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
1.Charles V. Vorhees et al. (2006) “Morris water maze: procedures for assessing spatial and related forms of learning and memory” Nature Protocols doi:10.1038/nprot.2006.116
2.Rudi D'Hooge et al. (2001) “Applications of the Morris water maze in the study of learning and memory” Brain Research Reviews doi:10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00067-4
3.Kinga Gaweł et al. (2018) “Assessment of spatial learning and memory in the Barnes maze task in rodents—methodological consideration” Naunyn-Schmiedeberg s Archives of Pharmacology doi:10.1007/s00210-018-1589-y
Q
What is the typical trial duration for Y-maze learning experiments?
A
Trial duration varies by protocol but typically ranges from 30 seconds to 5 minutes per trial, with inter-trial intervals of 1-2 minutes to allow for maze resetting and fly handling.
Q
How many trials are needed to observe significant learning effects?
A
Most protocols use 10-20 training trials to establish learning, though this depends on the strength of the reward stimulus and genetic background of the fly strain being tested.
Q
Can the maze accommodate different fly strains and genetic backgrounds?
A
Yes, the apparatus is suitable for standard laboratory Drosophila strains, though behavioral parameters may need adjustment based on strain-specific locomotor activity and learning rates.
Q
What types of rewards work effectively in this paradigm?
A
Common rewards include sucrose solutions, preferred odors, optimal temperature zones, or removal of aversive stimuli such as bright light or electric shock.
Q
How is learning quantified in Y-maze experiments?
A
Learning is measured as the change in choice preference from initial random selection (50%) to preference for the rewarded arm, typically expressed as performance index or learning score.
Q
What environmental factors should be controlled during testing?
A
Temperature, humidity, lighting conditions, air currents, and time of day should be standardized, as these factors can influence fly activity and behavioral responses.
Q
How does this compare to T-maze paradigms?
A
Y-maze designs provide more natural choice geometry compared to T-mazes and may reduce turning biases, while maintaining the essential two-choice discrimination learning paradigm.
Have a question about this product?
Track Drosophila with ConductVision
ConductVision is our video-tracking software. Record your sessions on video, and it scores standard Drosophila tests, such as those listed below.
Examples of tests it scores
The Drosophila Package includes a custom assay made on request. To have one made for this test, ask in your quote request.
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Drosophila Y Maze
$1,290.00
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