Investigating Caffeine’s Effect on Lepidopteran Transmetamorphic Memory
Abstract
Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid produced by plants and stored in their seeds, leaves, and even flower nectar. While caffeine is a well-established chemical defense against insect herbivores, at specific concentrations it has also been shown to improve learning and memory in pollinating insects, such as bees. This research aims to investigate the effects of caffeine on learning and memory in a different group of pollinating insects – butterflies (Lepidoptera). We test whether the cognitive-enhancing effects of dietary caffeine improve the ability of butterflies to retain memories from their larval stages into their adult stages. We hypothesize that caffeine will have a positive effect on transmetamorphic memories gained through a classical conditioning paradigm in which painted lady (Vanessa cardui) caterpillars are taught to associate a specific odor with food reward. The ability for larvae to form and retain these associations over the course of larval development and across metamorphosis into adults, will be tested. Dietary caffeine is expected to enhance memory formation and retention in a dose-dependent manner. This study will help develop a deeper understanding of the multiple roles of plant alkaloids in plant-insect interactions.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 10:00 AM
Room Number
272
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Research-in-Progress
Presentation Category
Science, Technology, and Engineering
Faculty Mentor
Whitaker Melissa
Investigating Caffeine’s Effect on Lepidopteran Transmetamorphic Memory
272
Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid produced by plants and stored in their seeds, leaves, and even flower nectar. While caffeine is a well-established chemical defense against insect herbivores, at specific concentrations it has also been shown to improve learning and memory in pollinating insects, such as bees. This research aims to investigate the effects of caffeine on learning and memory in a different group of pollinating insects – butterflies (Lepidoptera). We test whether the cognitive-enhancing effects of dietary caffeine improve the ability of butterflies to retain memories from their larval stages into their adult stages. We hypothesize that caffeine will have a positive effect on transmetamorphic memories gained through a classical conditioning paradigm in which painted lady (Vanessa cardui) caterpillars are taught to associate a specific odor with food reward. The ability for larvae to form and retain these associations over the course of larval development and across metamorphosis into adults, will be tested. Dietary caffeine is expected to enhance memory formation and retention in a dose-dependent manner. This study will help develop a deeper understanding of the multiple roles of plant alkaloids in plant-insect interactions.
