VINEGAR FLY

also called Pomace Fly, insect of the genus Drosophila of the family Drosophilidae (order Diptera). Drosophila species number about 1,000. Some species, particularly D. melanogaster, are used extensively in laboratory and field experiments on genetics and evolution because they are easy to raise and have a short life cycle (less than two weeks at room temperature). More data have been collected concerning the genetics of the vinegar fly than have been obtained for any other animal. Drosophila chromosomes, especially the giant ones in the salivary glands of mature larvae, are used in studies involving heritable characteristics and the basis for gene action. The biology of Drosophila in its natural habitats is not well known. The larvae of some species live in rotting or damaged fruits, the adults being strongly attracted to, and feeding on, fermenting plant juices. Other larvae develop in fungi or in fleshy flowers.