This productStandard
Heat Maze
Thermal avoidance maze with controlled heated zones and escape target
aversive spatial learning and escape behavior under temperature-controlled conditions.
Quote
Request Quote
Behavioral Mazes
Heat Maze
$2,990.00
Thermotaxis-based spatial learning apparatus for Drosophila featuring temperature-controlled zones and visual cues to assess place learning and memory.
Key Specifications
arena_shape
circular
arena_diameter
18 cm
peltier_grid_configuration
5×5 grid
peltier_element_size
4x4 cm
safe_zone_size
4x4 cm
safe_zone_temperature
20°C
Need Help? Visit our Support CenterKnowledge base, order lookup, and ticket support
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Heat Maze fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
Already working with us? Sign in to connect this with My Scientist.
The Heat Maze is a specialized behavioral apparatus designed for spatial learning and memory assessment in Drosophila melanogaster. This circular acrylic arena employs thermotaxis-based learning, where fruit flies learn to navigate away from heated zones toward cooler safe areas using visual cues. The system features a 5×5 Peltier grid that creates spatially discrete temperature zones, enabling precise control over thermal gradients within the 18 cm diameter arena.
Based on principles similar to the Morris water maze, the Heat Maze leverages Drosophila's innate thermal avoidance behavior to study spatial cognition. The apparatus incorporates both proximal and distal visual cues to support place learning paradigms. Temperature control ranges from 20°C (safe zone) to 37°C (aversive zone), with manual or computer-controlled regulation through dedicated software. This system enables researchers to investigate genetic, pharmacological, and environmental influences on spatial navigation and memory formation in fruit flies.
How It Works
The Heat Maze operates on thermotaxis-driven spatial learning principles. Drosophila melanogaster naturally avoid elevated temperatures, creating an intrinsic motivation to escape heated zones. The apparatus contains a 5×5 grid of individually controlled Peltier elements (4×4 cm each), allowing precise spatial control of temperature gradients. One element maintains 20°C as the safe zone while others heat to 37°C, creating discrete thermal zones that flies must learn to differentiate.
During spatial learning trials, flies use visual cues positioned around the arena to navigate toward the cooler safe zone. The temperature differential provides immediate negative feedback when flies enter heated areas, reinforcing spatial memory formation. Computer-controlled temperature regulation ensures consistent thermal gradients throughout testing sessions. The system records fly position and movement patterns, enabling quantitative analysis of spatial learning acquisition, memory retention, and navigation strategies.
Place learning occurs through repeated exposure trials where flies associate visual landmarks with the fixed location of the safe zone. Memory consolidation is assessed through probe trials where temperature zones are equalized, testing whether flies preferentially search the previous safe zone location based solely on visual cues.
Features & Benefits
5×5 Peltier grid configuration
Creates spatially discrete temperature zones for precise control over thermal gradients and safe zone positioning
Temperature range 20°C to 37°C
Optimal thermal differential for Drosophila thermotaxis without causing tissue damage or excessive stress
18 cm diameter circular arena
Provides adequate space for natural fly movement while maintaining visual cue effectiveness
Computer-controlled temperature regulation
Enables automated protocol execution and consistent thermal conditions across experimental sessions
Acrylic construction with visual cue integration
Allows clear observation of fly behavior while supporting customizable proximal and distal landmark arrangements
Standardized trial protocols
7 spatial learning trials and 3 non-spatial controls provide robust behavioral assessment with established parameters
4×4 cm Peltier element size
Creates thermally distinct zones that flies can clearly differentiate during navigation
arena_shape
- circular
arena_diameter
- 18 cm
peltier_grid_configuration
- 5×5 grid
peltier_element_size
- 4x4 cm
safe_zone_size
- 4x4 cm
safe_zone_temperature
- 20°C
unsafe_zone_temperature
- 37°C
control_method
- Conduct Heat Maze software
required_accessories_not_included
- talc-coated metal ring (height 5 cm), blank white paper sheet (height 20 cm)
spatial_learning_trials
- 7 trials, 5 minutes each
non_spatial_learning_trials
- 3 trials, 10 minutes each
inter_trial_interval
- 10 seconds
Behavioral Construct
- spatial learning
- spatial memory
- place learning
- thermal avoidance
- navigation
- thermotaxis
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Material
- Acrylic
Temperature Range
- 20°C to 37°C
Species
- Drosophila melanogaster
Dimensions
- 18 cm diameter
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Weight
- 14.3 kg
Dimensions
- L: 110.5 mm
- W: 78.7 mm
- H: 10.1 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Control Range | 20°C to 37°C with precise Peltier regulation | Limited temperature control or broader, less precise ranges | Optimal thermal differential for Drosophila thermotaxis without tissue damage |
| Spatial Resolution | 25 discrete zones (5×5 grid) with 4×4 cm elements | Fewer temperature zones or continuous gradients | Creates clearly differentiated spatial locations for precise place learning assessment |
| Arena Size | 18 cm diameter circular arena | Varies by model, often smaller or less optimal dimensions | Provides adequate space for natural movement while maintaining visual cue effectiveness |
| Software Integration | Dedicated Conduct Heat Maze software with automated protocols | Manual control or generic temperature control software | Standardized protocols ensure experimental consistency and reduce operator variability |
| Trial Standardization | Established 7+3 trial protocol with defined durations and intervals | Variable or undefined behavioral protocols | Validated paradigm enables direct comparison with published literature |
The Heat Maze offers precise temperature control across 25 discrete zones with dedicated software and validated protocols. The system provides standardized spatial learning assessment for Drosophila with optimal thermal parameters and arena dimensions based on published research.
Neuroscience
Investigating spatial memory formation and retrieval mechanisms in Drosophila models of neurodegenerative diseases or cognitive disorders.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluating drug effects on spatial learning performance by comparing navigation accuracy before and after compound administration.
Learning and Memory
Characterizing place learning abilities across different Drosophila strains to identify genetic contributions to spatial cognition.
Neurodegeneration
Assessing spatial memory deficits in fly models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or other neurodegenerative conditions.
Developmental Biology
Examining how spatial learning capabilities change across Drosophila developmental stages from young adults to aged flies.
Addiction Research
Studying how chronic drug exposure affects spatial memory consolidation and navigation strategies in fruit fly models.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Verify temperature accuracy across all Peltier elements using an independent thermometer before each experimental session.
Why: Temperature calibration ensures consistent thermal gradients and reliable behavioral responses.
Maintenance
Replace paper floor surface between animals to prevent chemical cues from affecting subsequent trials.
Why: Fresh surfaces eliminate potential pheromone or chemical trail influences on navigation behavior.
Best Practices
Maintain consistent ambient room temperature and lighting conditions throughout experimental sessions.
Why: Environmental stability prevents confounding variables that could affect thermal perception and visual cue visibility.
Data Quality
Record fly position data at minimum 10 Hz sampling rate to capture detailed movement trajectories.
Why: High-resolution tracking enables analysis of navigation strategies and path optimization over trials.
Troubleshooting
If flies show reduced activity, verify that thermal zones have reached equilibrium and check for air currents near the arena.
Why: Temperature gradients and air movement can affect fly behavior and thermal perception.
Safety
Monitor fly behavior for signs of thermal stress and reduce trial duration if excessive immobility occurs.
Why: Preventing thermal damage ensures animal welfare and maintains valid behavioral responses.
Best Practices
Use age-matched flies (3-7 days post-eclosion) and test during peak activity periods for consistent performance.
Why: Standardized age and circadian timing reduce behavioral variability and improve data reliability.
Setup Guide
System Assembly
Assemble the circular acrylic arena and connect the 5×5 Peltier grid to the temperature controller unit.
Software Installation
Install the Conduct Heat Maze software and establish computer connection for automated temperature control.
Arena Preparation
Place white paper sheet (80g/m²) over Peltier grid as the floor surface and position talc-coated metal ring (5cm height) as arena boundary.
Visual Cue Setup
Position proximal and distal visual cues around the arena perimeter according to experimental protocol requirements.
Temperature Calibration
Calibrate Peltier elements to achieve 20°C safe zone and 37°C aversive zone temperatures, allowing 10 minutes for thermal equilibration.
Trial Initialization
Load individual fly into arena center and initiate recording software to track position and movement patterns during learning trials.
Protocol Execution
Run standard protocol of 7 spatial learning trials (5 minutes each) with 10-second inter-trial intervals, followed by 3 non-spatial control trials (10 minutes each).
What’s in the Box
- Heat Maze main unit with 5×5 Peltier grid
- Circular acrylic arena (18 cm diameter)
- Temperature controller unit
- Conduct Heat Maze software
- Power cables and connections
- User manual and protocol guide
- Talc-coated metal ring (5 cm height) - required accessory
- Blank white paper sheets (20 cm height) - required accessory
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for software and temperature control systems.
Compliance
Animal Welfare GuidelinesSupports behavioral research protocols that minimize animal stress through controlled temperature exposure and standardized trial durations
Laboratory Animal Research StandardsCommonly used in research environments subject to institutional animal care and use committee oversight for invertebrate studies
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.Christopher D. Barnhart et al. (2015) “Using the Morris Water Maze to Assess Spatial Learning and Memory in Weanling Mice” PLoS ONE doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0124521
4.Matthew W. Pitts (2018) “Barnes Maze Procedure for Spatial Learning and Memory in Mice” BIO-PROTOCOL doi:10.21769/bioprotoc.2744
Q
What is the optimal acclimation time before starting behavioral trials?
A
Allow 10 minutes for thermal equilibration after setting temperature zones, and 2-3 minutes for individual fly acclimation to arena conditions before trial initiation.
Q
How does trial duration affect spatial learning measurement?
A
Standard 5-minute spatial learning trials provide sufficient time for navigation without thermal stress, while 10-minute non-spatial trials control for non-specific temperature avoidance.
Q
Can the safe zone location be randomized between animals?
A
Yes, any of the 25 Peltier elements can serve as the safe zone, allowing counterbalancing of safe zone positions across subjects to control for arena bias.
Q
What visual cue configurations are most effective?
A
Combination of high-contrast proximal cues within the arena and distinct distal landmarks outside the arena provides optimal spatial reference points for place learning.
Q
How is spatial memory retention assessed?
A
Probe trials with all zones at neutral temperature test whether flies preferentially search the former safe zone location based on visual cues alone.
Q
What data parameters indicate successful spatial learning?
A
Decreased latency to safe zone, increased time in target quadrant, and reduced path length over successive trials indicate spatial learning acquisition.
Q
How does this compare to other Drosophila learning assays?
A
Heat Maze provides spatial learning assessment similar to Morris water maze in rodents, while other Drosophila assays typically focus on associative conditioning rather than place learning.
Have a question about this product?
Accessories
Enhance your setup with compatible accessories
Total: $0.00
Use this apparatus with
The complete Heat Maze workflow
Track behavior
Automate safe-zone time, latency, zone occupancy, path order, and event timing for Heat Maze studies.
ConductVision Heat Maze ->Run protocol
No exact ConductMaze protocol page is currently published for Heat Maze; keep this as a roadmap gap rather than linking to a guessed URL.
Supporting page not yet builtAnalyze output
No exact calculator page is currently published for Heat Maze; keep this as a roadmap gap rather than linking to a guessed URL.
Supporting page not yet builtConfiguration considerations
Common Heat Maze setup decisions
Use these notes to scope species, cohort, tracking, and automation needs. Only verified product or support routes are linked from this section.
BuyableScaled option
Heat Maze Species Variant
Mouse, rat, aquatic, insect, or large-animal scaling as appropriate
Use species-specific dimensions and lighting so the apparatus tests the intended construct instead of body size, visibility, or handling tolerance.
Quote
View options ->SpecialtyAutomation
Heat Maze With Tracking
Camera, gates, sensors, cue control, or event logging as required
Best when the protocol needs reproducible timing, high-throughput scoring, or defensible endpoint extraction across cohorts.
Quote
Configure tracking ->§ 1
Introduction
The Heat Maze is a avoidance assay built around aversive spatial learning and escape behavior under temperature-controlled conditions. Interpretable data depend on matching the apparatus geometry, subject species, trial structure, and scoring rules to the behavioral construct under study. 1
Thermal avoidance protocols depend on stable geometry, consistent trial timing, and pre-defined scoring rules. Without those controls, safe-zone time can be shifted by motivation, locomotion, light level, odor, cue salience, or handling rather than the intended behavioral construct. 1
This methods section summarizes setup, endpoint definitions, common confounds, sample output, adjacent assays, and reporting details needed to evaluate Heat Maze results alongside the product specifications. 1
§ 2
Methods
2.1 Procedure
Thermal avoidance with standardized setup, trial timing, and endpoint extraction.
Pre-test setup
- 1.Define construct — Pre-register whether the study uses Heat Maze for avoidance behavior, screening, cohort comparison, or apparatus validation.
- 2.Calibrate apparatus — Verify thermal avoidance maze with controlled heated zones and escape target, visibility, lighting, surface condition, cue placement, and camera field of view before animals enter the room.
- 3.Set scoring rules — Define safe-zone time, omissions, exclusions, latency cutoffs, and event thresholds before acquisition starts.
- 4.Control carryover — Use consistent cleaning, handling, acclimation, and inter-trial timing so odor, stress, and fatigue do not become hidden treatment variables.
Trial sequence
- 1.Start trial — Place the subject at the protocol-defined start location and begin synchronized video or event logging.
- 2.Record behavior — Capture safe-zone time, path order, latency, dwell time, and relevant zone or arm events throughout the trial.1
- 3.Apply endpoint rules — Score only committed entries or events that meet the pre-defined body-position and timing criteria.
- 4.End and reset — Stop at the maximum duration, completion criterion, or humane endpoint, then clean and reset the apparatus.
- 5.Export QC — Review tracking loss, outlier latency, immobility, omissions, and apparatus notes before group-level analysis.
Critical methodological constraints
- Thermal calibration. Document thermal calibration because it can shift safe-zone time independent of the intended construct.
- Pain sensitivity. Keep pain sensitivity stable across cohorts and sessions.
- Locomotor activity. Audit locomotor activity before interpreting group differences.
- Stress response. Report stress response when it changes engagement, exploration, or measurable trial completion.
- Surface temperature gradients. Flag surface temperature gradients during QA because it often explains apparent assay failure.2
2.2 Measurement & Analysis
Core Heat Maze endpoints for behavioral interpretation and apparatus quality control.
Safe-zone time
Avoidance performance
Safe-zone time is the primary endpoint for this page and should be paired with latency and quality-control flags.1
Escape latency
Latency and initiation
Escape latency helps distinguish task performance from motivation, freezing, fatigue, or handling effects.
Heated-zone entries
Spatial or zone strategy
Heated-zone entries captures how the subject solved the task, not only whether it reached the endpoint.
Immobility
Engagement control
Immobility identifies omissions, low exploration, sensor dropouts, or species-specific non-response.
Temperature drift
Quality-control flag
Temperature drift should be reviewed before exporting final group summaries.
+ Additional metrics: trial duration, zone dwell, event count, path efficiency, tracking confidence, exclusions, and session-level notes.
2.3 safe-zone time ratio (analysis)
A compact percentage summary for Heat Maze output.
§ 3
Results
Aggregate publication data, sample apparatus output, and recent findings from the live PubMed feed.
3.1 Publication trends
PubMed volume and co-occurring behavioral methods for Heat Maze studies.
3.2 Sample apparatus output
Representative Heat Maze output for methods review and endpoint interpretation.
3.3 Recent methods context
- May 2026Source note
Heat Maze methods refresh: endpoint definitions, QA flags, and comparator assays
ConductScience methods note prepared for citation review.
The first citation-cron pass should replace this editorial seed with current Heat Maze methods papers filtered for apparatus, protocol, and endpoint relevance.
§ 4
Discussion
Limitations of the paradigm, methodological caveats, and current directions.
4.1 Common confounds
Variables that shift Heat Maze results independent of anxiety state.
Thermal calibration
Thermal calibration can change apparent Heat Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
Pain sensitivity
Pain sensitivity can change apparent Heat Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
Locomotor activity
Locomotor activity can change apparent Heat Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
Stress response
Stress response can change apparent Heat Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
Surface temperature gradients
Surface temperature gradients can change apparent Heat Maze performance without reflecting the intended behavioral construct. Control it in setup and report it in methods.
4.2 Construct validity caveats
Heat Maze is strongest when endpoint definitions, apparatus settings, and exclusion rules are specified before testing. Treat a single summary metric as a screening signal, then confirm interpretation with latency, engagement, comparator assays, and quality-control review. 1
4.3 Special considerations
When should I choose Heat Maze?
Choose Heat Maze when the research question matches aversive spatial learning and escape behavior under temperature-controlled conditions. and the lab can control thermal calibration, pain sensitivity, and trial timing.
What setup variables should be specified before testing?
Specify species, cohort size, apparatus dimensions, lighting, tracking method, automation level, cleaning workflow, endpoint definitions, and exclusion criteria before data collection begins.
What makes the data interpretable?
Interpretation is strongest when the apparatus configuration, trial timing, scoring thresholds, confound controls, and comparator assays are documented together with the primary endpoint.
4.4 Current directions
Quarterly editorial review of emerging Heat Maze methodology. Q2 2026
Methods
Endpoint standardization
Define safe-zone time, latency, exclusions, and engagement flags before comparing cohorts.
Emerging
Automated scoring
Camera and event-log workflows can reduce observer burden and improve consistency when zone definitions and event thresholds are validated.
Methods
Comparator batteries
Heat Maze should link to adjacent maze, motor, or motivation assays when interpretation depends on controls.
Emerging
Integrated method reporting
Apparatus dimensions, protocol fit, tracking compatibility, and endpoint definitions should be reported together so results are easier to reproduce.
§ 5
References
10 selected methods and validation references for Heat Maze.
- Dudchenko PA. An overview of the tasks used to test working memory in rodents. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2004;28(7):699-709. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.09.002
- Shoji H, et al. Comprehensive behavioral test battery for mice. Curr Protoc Mouse Biol. 2012;2:153-187. Find source
- Vorhees CV, Williams MT. Assessing spatial learning and memory in rodents. ILAR J. 2014;55(2):310-332. Find source
- Lalonde R. The neurobiological basis of spontaneous alternation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2002;26(1):91-104. doi:10.1016/S0149-7634(01)00041-0
- Walf AA, Frye CA. The use of the elevated plus maze as an assay of anxiety-related behavior in rodents. Nat Protoc. 2007;2(2):322-328. doi:10.1038/nprot.2007.44
- Pellow S, Chopin P, File SE, Briley M. Validation of open:closed arm entries in an elevated plus-maze as a measure of anxiety in the rat. J Neurosci Methods. 1985;14(3):149-167. doi:10.1016/0165-0270(85)90031-7
- Crawley JN, Goodwin FK. Preliminary report of a simple animal behavior model for the anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1980;13(2):167-170. doi:10.1016/0091-3057(80)90067-2
- File SE, Wardill AG. Validity of head-dipping as a measure of exploration in a modified hole-board. Psychopharmacologia. 1975;44(1):53-59. Find source
- Walsh RN, Cummins RA. The Open-Field Test: a critical review. Psychol Bull. 1976;83(3):482-504. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.83.3.482
- Brown RE, Corey SC, Moore AK. Differences in measures of exploration and fear in MHC-congenic C57BL/6J and B6-H-2K mice. Behav Genet. 1999;29(4):263-271. Find source
Heat Maze
$2,990.00
Added to quoteView Quote
