Drosophila

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Drosophila: //drəˈsɒfɪlə//

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Summary

Drosophila is a diverse genus of small fruit flies, commonly associated with rotting fruits. They are vital in genetic research, particularly D. melanogaster, and play important ecological roles. The genus exhibits a wide range of species adapted to various environments and breeding strategies.

Physical Characteristics

Drosophila species are small flies, typically pale yellow to reddish brown to black, with red eyes. The species typically have around 800 ommatidia on each eye. They exhibit distinct black patterns on wings in some species and have a plumose (feathery) arista and bristling on the head and thorax.

Identification Tips

Look for small size (approximately 2–4 mm, but some species are larger) and distinctive eye coloration; many species are attracted to decaying fruit and have unique wing patterns.

Habitat

Drosophila species inhabit a variety of environments including deserts, tropical rainforests, cities, swamps, and alpine zones. They typically breed in decaying plant and fungal material, including overripe fruit, bark, and flowers.

Distribution

Drosophila species are found worldwide, with a higher diversity in tropical regions. The Hawaiian Islands have over 800 endemic species that radiated from a few founders.

Diet

Many Drosophila species are fruit-feeders, attracted to fermentation products like ethanol; larvae feed on yeasts and microorganisms present in decaying substrates.

Life Cycle

The life cycle from egg to adult can vary dramatically between species, taking anywhere from 7 to over 60 days, dependent on environmental conditions.

Reproduction

Males of Drosophila possess the longest sperm cells of any studied organism, with D. bifurca having sperm that is 58 mm long. Drosophila species exhibit varying reproductive capacities and breeding strategies, including polyandry in some species.

Predators

Drosophila species are preyed upon by various generalists, including robber flies and ants, and larvae are vulnerable to beetle larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Drosophila play a significant ecological role as decomposers, and are also important models in genetics and biology due to their interactions with fungi and fermentation processes.

Economic Impact

Some species like Drosophila suzukii can become agricultural pests by infesting fresh fruit crops, leading to economic losses in agriculture.

Cultural Significance

Drosophila melanogaster is a prominent model organism in genetics and developmental biology research, widely recognized in scientific literature.

Collecting Methods

• Light traps
• Fermentation bait traps
• Manual collection from fruit and decaying materials

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol storage
• Freezing
• Pinning specimens for display

Evolution

Drosophila exhibit a high degree of genetic diversity and rapid evolutionary adaptations, particularly in response to environmental challenges and selection pressures, including detoxification mechanisms and gene flow among populations.

Similar Taxa

• Tephritidae (true fruit flies)
• Scaptomyza
• Zaprionus

Misconceptions

Drosophila are often confused with true fruit flies (Tephritidae) which primarily exploit ripe fruit and can be significant agricultural pests.

Tags

• Drosophila
• genetics
• model organism
• fruit flies
• ecology