The attraction of Drosophila melanogaster towards byproducts of alcoholic fermentation, especially ethanol, has been extensively studied. However, the adaptive value of this behavior has not been elucidated. Previous studies have suggested anthropomorphic interpretations of D. melanogaster behavior towards alcohols. Here, we instead assert that there exists a simple yet vital biological rationale for alcohol contact and consumption by these insects. We show that exposure to alcohols, especially methanol, results in an immediate amplification of fatty acid ester pheromone levels, which in turn elevates the probability that a male will successfully compete for a female during courtship. We proceed to identify three types of olfactory sensory neurons that detect ethanol and methanol. Moreover, we trace the ensuing neural circuits and reveal their role in controlling both attraction and aversion, where valence is balanced around mating status. Based on our results, we deduce that male flies associate with sources of alcohol as a biological imperative related to reproduction, and we provide an assessment of how and why D. melanogaster is associated with alcohol using a sound ecological and natural history approach to this previously enigmatic biological phenomenon.

中文翻译：

---

酒精可促进雄蝇中信息素的产生并使它们更性感

果蝇对酒精发酵副产物，尤其是乙醇的吸引力已得到广泛研究。但是，这种行为的适应性价值尚未阐明。先前的研究表明拟南芥对酒精行为的拟人解释。在这里，我们断言存在一种简单而重要的生物学原理，可以帮助这些昆虫与酒精接触和食用。我们表明，暴露于醇类（尤其是甲醇）会导致脂肪酸酯信息素水平立即升高，这反过来又增加了男性在求爱过程中成功竞争女性的可能性。我们着手确定检测乙醇和甲醇的三种嗅觉感觉神经元。此外，我们追踪了随后的神经回路，并揭示了它们在控制吸引和厌恶中的作用，其中价在交配状态之间保持平衡。根据我们的研究结果，我们推断雄性果蝇与酒精的来源相关，是与生殖有关的生物学上的必要条件，并且我们使用合理的生态和自然历史方法对黑腹果蝇与酒精的关联方式和原因进行了评估。神秘的生物学现象。