摘要：SummaryLongitudinal measurements of food intake remain a challenge inDrosophilastudies of nutrition and behavior. Here, we report an improved method for measuring fly food intake using dye-labeled food and excreta quantification (EX-Q). Reducing the surface area of the medium maximized excreta recovery and the accuracy in estimating total consumption. The EX-Q method is compatible with agar-based medium and makes it possible to measure consumption over an extended period and at multiple time points without sacrificing flies. Using EX-Q, we revealed nutrient- and age-specific features ofDrosophilafeeding behavior. Daily consumption of a chemically defined diet was relatively consistent over the first 25 days of adulthood. Omitting amino acids or vitamins from the diet reduced consumption in both sexes, whereas omitting sugars or cholesterol primarily affected female food intake. Our results demonstrate EX-Q as a simple, reliable, and nondestructive method for longitudinal studies of solid food intake inDrosophila.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Drosophilafood intake can be accurately measured by excreta quantification (EX-Q).•A smaller food surface area maximizes excreta recovery and improves EX-Q accuracy•EX-Q enables longitudinal studies since flies are not sacrificed for measurements•Females show greater age- and diet-specific effects on food intake than malesBiological Sciences; Animal Physiology; Food Analysis
