Drosophila melanogaster is a species of fly (an insect of the order Diptera) in the family Drosophilidae. The species is often referred to as the fruit fly or lesser fruit fly, or less commonly the "vinegar fly", "pomace fly",[a][5] or "banana fly".[6] In the wild, D. melanogaster are attracted to rotting fruit and fermenting beverages, and are often found in orchards, kitchens and pubs.
Drosophila melanogaster is typically used in research owing to its rapid life cycle, relatively simple genetics with only four pairs of chromosomes, and large number of offspring per generation.[12] It was originally an African species, with all non-African lineages having a common origin.[13]Its geographic range includes all continents, including islands.[14]D. melanogaster is a common pest in homes, restaurants, and other places where food is served.[15]
Flies belonging to the family Tephritidae are also called "fruit flies". This can cause confusion, especially in the Mediterranean, Australia, and South Africa, where the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata is an economic pest.
^Holden B (January 1, 2015). Charles W. Woodworth: The Remarkable Life of U.C.'s First Entomologist (1st ed.). Brian Holden Publishing. pp. 135–137. ISBN978-0-9864105-3-6.
^Harrington, Monica (2014). "Fruit flies in space". Lab Animal. 43 (3). Retrieved October 22, 2024.
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