Fedorova M.A.*, Farisenkov S.E., Shcherbakova E.S., Polilov A.A. 2023. Long-term memory in the parasitoid Trichogramma telengai Sorokina, 1987 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) // Russian Entomol. J. Vol.32. No.4: 371–374 [in English].
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234 Russia.
* Corresponding author. E-mail: mariafedorova1997@gmail.com
doi: 10.15298/rusentj.32.4.01
Abstract. The process of miniaturization poses a challenge for insects as they need to maintain essential cognitive functions despite substantial reductions in body size. Despite having fewer and smaller neurons, Trichogramma telengai Sorokina, 1987 displayed the capacity for associative learning and retention of different kinds of memory. Earlier experiments have shown the presence of short-term memory in T. telengai. In this study, we observe memory retention for up to 24 hours, indicating the presence of long-term memory. In this experiment, unlike most studies on the cognitive abilities of parasitoids, we used aversive training to high temperatures instead of olfactory stimuli. This allowed us to observe the capacity for different memory consolidation pathways and to compare the memory retention abilities between insects of different groups.
KEY WORDS: associative learning, memory, Trichogrammatidae, Trichogramma telengai, microinsects, miniaturization.