Fruit fly

Fruit fly is a common name applied to numerous species of flies that feed on fruit in their larval stage. The most well-known species is the Drosophila melanogaster, which is often used in genetic research.

Taxonomy

The term "fruit fly" is used to refer to species in several Dipteran families. The two most common families referred to as fruit flies are the Drosophilidae and the Tephritidae. The Drosophilidae are small flies that are often tan or brown in color, while the Tephritidae are larger and more brightly colored.

Biology

Fruit flies lay their eggs in ripe or overripe fruit, where the larvae feed on the fermenting material. The life cycle from egg to adult can be completed in as little as a week in warm conditions. Adult fruit flies are attracted to the smell of ripe fruit and the yeast that grows on it.

Genetics

The fruit fly, particularly the species Drosophila melanogaster, has been extensively used in genetics research. Its short life cycle and simple genetic makeup make it an ideal organism for studying inheritance and mutation. The first chromosome map was created using D. melanogaster.

Control

Fruit flies can be a nuisance in homes and a serious pest in the fruit industry. Control methods include sanitation, trapping, and the use of insecticides. Some species of fruit flies are also controlled through the use of sterile insect techniques, where large numbers of sterile males are released to mate with wild females, reducing the population.

See also

• Drosophila melanogaster
• Drosophilidae
• Tephritidae
• Sterile insect technique