Small, genetically tractable species such as larval zebrafish, Drosophila, or Caenorhabditis elegans have become key model organisms in modern neuroscience. In addition to their low maintenance costs and easy sharing of strains across labs, one key appeal is the possibility to monitor single or groups of animals in a behavioural arena while controlling the activity of select neurons using optogenetic or thermogenetic tools. However, the purchase of a commercial solution for these types of experiments, including an appropriate camera system as well as a controlled behavioural arena, can be costly. Here, we present a low-cost and modular open-source alternative called ‘FlyPi’. Our design is based on a 3D-printed mainframe, a Raspberry Pi computer, and high-definition camera system as well as Arduino-based optical and thermal control circuits. Depending on the configuration, FlyPi can be assembled for well under €100 and features optional modules for light-emitting diode (LED)-based fluorescence microscopy and optogenetic stimulation as well as a Peltier-based temperature stimulator for thermogenetics. The complete version with all modules costs approximately €200 or substantially less if the user is prepared to ‘shop around’. All functions of FlyPi can be controlled through a custom-written graphical user interface. To demonstrate FlyPi’s capabilities, we present its use in a series of state-of-the-art neurogenetics experiments. In addition, we demonstrate FlyPi’s utility as a medical diagnostic tool as well as a teaching aid at Neurogenetics courses held at several African universities. Taken together, the low cost and modular nature as well as fully open design of FlyPi make it a highly versatile tool in a range of applications, including the classroom, diagnostic centres, and research labs.

小型可遗传遗传的物种，例如幼虫斑马鱼，果蝇或秀丽隐杆线虫已成为现代神经科学中的关键模型生物。除了维护成本低和在实验室之间易于共享品系外，一个主要吸引力是可以使用行为遗传学或热遗传学工具在行为舞台上监视单个或成组动物，同时控制选定神经元的活动。但是，购买用于这些类型的实验的商业解决方案（包括适当的摄像头系统以及可控的行为场所）可能会很昂贵。在这里，我们提出了一种名为“ FlyPi”的低成本模块化开源替代方案。我们的设计基于3D打印的主机，Raspberry Pi计算机和高清摄像头系统以及基于Arduino的光学和热控制电路。根据配置，FlyPi的组装价格不到100欧元，并具有用于基于发光二极管（LED）的荧光显微镜和光遗传学刺激的可选模块，以及用于热遗传学的基于Peltier的温度刺激器。如果用户准备“货比三家”，带有所有模块的完整版本的价格约为200欧元或更低。FlyPi的所有功能都可以通过自定义编写的图形用户界面进行控制。为了演示FlyPi的功能，我们在一系列最新的神经遗传学实验中展示了它的用途。此外，我们在非洲几所大学举办的神经遗传学课程中展示了FlyPi作为医学诊断工具和教学辅助工具的效用。在一起