Unveiling insect olfaction: advances and applications of electroantennography and single sensillum recording

Abstract Electroantennography (EAG) and single sensillum recording (SSR) are two fundamental electrophysiological techniques used to study the olfactory responses of insects. These methods have significantly contributed to our understanding of insect olfaction, from the initial identification of pheromones to the detailed analysis of olfactory receptor function. This review discusses the principles, methodologies and applications of EAG and SSR, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. It also explores advancements in these techniques, such as multidimensional EAG, which offers an advanced approach to analysing complex odour mixtures. Emphasis is placed on the equipment, insect preparation, and technical considerations essential for effective electrophysiological studies. Keywords: Electroantennography (EAG), Single Sensillum Recording (SSR), Insect Olfaction, Olfactory Receptor Function, Multidimensional EAG.