Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster (Black-bellied Dew-lover) a dipteran (two-winged) insect, is the species of fruit fly that is commonly used in genetic experiments; it is among the most important model organisms. In modern biological literature, it is often simply called Drosophila or (common) fruit fly. Students also nickname it Drozzy.

Physical appearance

The flies have red eyes, a yellow-brown color, with transversal black rings across their abdomen. They exhibit sexual dimorphism: females are about 2.5 millimetres long; males are slightly smaller and the back of their bodies is darker. For a neophyte trying to tell the difference between the sexes under a dissecting microscope, perhaps the easiest distinguishing mark is the cluster of spiky hairs surrounding the anus and genitals of the male. There are extensive images at flybase (see link below).

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