Cell Biology/Models/Flies

Flies

Mating fruit flies. Note the sex combs on the forelegs of the male (insert)

D. melanogaster types (clockwise): brown eyes with black body, cinnabar eyes, sepia eyes with ebony body, vermilion eyes, white eyes, and wild-type eyes with yellow body

Flies have been chosen as model insect. One common fly species for research is Drosophila melanogaster.

Etymology: 'Drosophila' means 'dew-loving'. 'Melanogaster' means 'dark-bellied'. This species is commonly known as common fruit fly or vinegar fly. Their larvae feed on fruits, somehow explaining 'dew-loving'. It has dark belly, which its name describes.