Barry J. Dickson

Abstract Motor systems implement diverse motor programs to pattern behavioral sequences, yet how different motor actions are controlled on a moment-by-moment basis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the neural circuit mechanisms underlying the control of distinct courtship songs in Drosophila. Courting males rapidly alternate between two types of song: pulse and sine.

Highlights • A new collection of genetic reagents label neurons required for courtship song • Optogenetic activity manipulations identify eight neuron types essential for song • Connectome analyses show the eight cell types form a highly interconnected circuit • Each of the two major fly songs requires a unique set of neurons in the circuit Summary Many motor control systems generate multiple movements using a common set of muscles.

Abstract Whereas progress has been made in the identification of neural signals related to rapid, cued decisions1,2,3, less is known about how brains guide and terminate more ethologically relevant decisions in which an animal’s own behaviour governs the options experienced over minutes4,5,6.