The FLIC system provides a precise and continuous quantification of the number and duration of interactions a fly has with food. It complements conventional methods of analysis, such as the CAFE assay and tracer dye approaches, by allowing comprehensive long-term studies of new and subtle aspects of feeding behavior.

The fruit fly is one of the most powerful model systems in which to dissect neural mechanisms of complex behavior such as feeding, allowing researchers to study mechanisms of feeding preference and behavior using genetic and pharmacological means. Detailed analysis of food intake facilitates discovery in fields as diverse as aging, metabolism, and neurobiology.

• Automated, real-time monitoring of feeding or food choice behavior

• Complete portable system for easy housing in an incubator

• Touchscreen master control unit provides quick on-screen setup

• High sensitivity – captures nearly every interaction between fly and food

• Screen-friendly high throughput measurement

• Ability to distinguish between tasting and feeding activity

• Preference assay is based on quantitative measure and independent from experimenter's bias

• Food is easily accessible from the floor of the chamber, unlike capillary-feeding assays

• No experimenter's interference; foods are introduced without disturbing flies

• New optional OptoLid for optogenetic studies