Associative Learning and Memory in Trichogramma telengai (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae)

Miniaturization presents insects with the task of preserving vital body functions at a significantly reduced body size. We have studied the effects of miniaturization on the functioning of the insect nervous system by the example of the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma telengai . Despite a smaller number and a lower volume of neurons, T. telengai demonstrated the ability for associative learning and memory retention for up to 6 h after training. The training and testing were performed using a setup based on the Morris water maze design and suitable for comparative assessment of associative learning abilities in small animals of different taxa. Our data expand the understanding of the miniaturization effects on the cognitive abilities of animals and may help to determine which structural factors limit the minimum size of the functional insect brain.