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Drosophilidae
Vinegar flies, Pomace flies, Fruit flies
Drosophilidae is a diverse, cosmopolitan family of small flies commonly known as vinegar or pomace flies, though often mislabeled 'fruit flies.' The family contains over 4,000 species across 75 genera, with Drosophila melanogaster serving as one of the most important model organisms in genetics, development, and behavioral research. Most species are associated with decomposing organic matter, particularly fermenting fruits and vegetables, though some have evolved specialized relationships with flowers, fungi, or living plant tissue.