Drosophila hydei
The "Vinegar Fly", "Pomace Fly", "Wine Fly", "Grape Fly", and the "Pickled Fruit Fly"
Author: Phillip N. Appiah
Image scanned by author from Shorrocks 1972
TAXONOMY
Insecta
Diptera
Drosophilidae
Drosophilinae
Drosophila
repleta
IDENTIFICATION:
The earliest recorded reference to Drosophila in scientific literature dates back to 1684. About 384 citations can be found between that time and 1900 (Powell, 1997). Drosophila hydei, undergoes 4 basic stages of development. The first stage is the egg (Fig A.), the second is the larva (Fig B.), the third is the pupa (Fig C.), and the final stage is the adult (Fig D) (Flagg, 1973). Fig A. EGG Fig B. INSTAR Fig C. PUPA Fig D. ADULT Pictures scanned by author from Flagg 1973 The identification guide on the main page gives the distinct features specific to D. hydei.
The earliest recorded reference to Drosophila in scientific literature dates back to 1684. About 384 citations can be found between that time and 1900 (Powell, 1997).
Drosophila hydei, undergoes 4 basic stages of development. The first stage is the egg (Fig A.), the second is the larva (Fig B.), the third is the pupa (Fig C.), and the final stage is the adult (Fig D) (Flagg, 1973).
Fig A. EGG Fig B. INSTAR Fig C. PUPA Fig D. ADULT Pictures scanned by author from Flagg 1973
Fig A.
EGG
Fig B.
INSTAR
Fig C.
PUPA
Fig D.
ADULT
Pictures scanned by author from Flagg 1973
The identification guide on the main page gives the distinct features specific to D. hydei.
GEOGRAPHY:
Parsons, 1973
Powell, 1997
Drosophila hydei is a species that is widely associated with man (Parsons, 1973). It is for this reason that it can probably be found in most if not all of the environments listed above. The published information on its exact location in relation to these areas is lacking. It is, however, safe to assume that areas with high human populations in these geographic regions will have populations of D. hydei among with them.
NATURAL HISTORY:
"Vinegar flies may become a nuisance in homes, restaurants, fruit markets, canneries, etc., especially when associated with decaying orrotting fruit and vegetables. Indoors, flies may be seen hovering around overripe fruit and vegetables, baked goods containing yeast,garbage cans and beverages such as fruit juices, cider, soft drinks, beer, wine and vinegar. Sometimes a rotten banana, potato, tomato,onion, melon, squash, pineapple or apple, dirty garbage receptacle, unclean sour mop or dishcloth, empty tomato catsup bottle, or drainwater in refrigerators or iceboxes can yield a heavy population of these flies. Outdoors, they become numerous during summer andautumn where fruit and vegetables are harvested and then suddenly disappear when cold weather arrives. Some species are attracted tohuman and animal excrement, also feeding on fruits and uncooked foods, serving as a disease carrier" (William F. Lyon, Ohio State University Extention Facsheet).
HOW TO ENCOUNTER:
As stated before, D. hydei populations are associated with humans. They can be found almost anywhere a sizeable human population exists. An intersting fact about the repleta group, of which D. hydei is a member, is that they have become successfully adapted to breeding in cacti. Cacti of the group Opuntia have been successful at spreading through various regions in the world, and have thus carried species in the repleta group with them. D. hydei populations can now be found in much of the western North America due to the cactus populations prominent in that areas (Powell, 1997).
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