Drosophila melanogaster Life Cycle

Drosophila melanogaster (Common Fruit Fly or Vinegar Fly) is a species of Diptera, in the family Drosophilidae. It has yellow-brown body, with multifaceted brick red eyes, a black striped abdomen and a pair of translucent wings. It has a body size 2.5-3mm long.
Some features like rapid life cycle, low chromosome numbers (4 chromosomes), small genome size and giant salivary gland chromosome made Drosophila Melanogaster a major model organism in genetic studies.

Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit Fly) Life Cycle
The embryo(egg), which is about half a millimeter long, completes its development within 24 hours and hatches into worm-like first instar larva that is specialized for feeding and grows dramatically. The larva molts 24 and 48 hours after hatching to produce second and third instar larvae. A mature larva is about 7-8 mm long.
About three days after the second molt, the third instar larva complete its growth, crawl out of food and pupate. The pupa on the average is 2mm long. Inside the pupa case the larva undergo a four-day-long metamorphosis, after which the fly emerges from pupa. The newly emerged flies are ready to mate in 8-12 hours.

Drosophila melanogaster Life Cycle Pictures

Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit Fly) Male
Drosophila Melanogaster Male
Drosophila Melanogaster Male

Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit Fly) Female
Drosophila Melanogaster Female
Drosophila Melanogaster Female
Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit Fly) Mating
Drosophila melanogaster Mating

Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit Fly) Eggs
Drosophila Melanogaster Egg

Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit Fly) Larvae
Drosophila Melanogaster Larva
Drosophila Melanogaster Larva

Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit Fly) Pupae
Drosophila Melanogaster Pupa
Drosophila Melanogaster Pupa

Newly Emerged Drosophila melanogaster

This post is dedicated to Mr. Naveed Khan (my nephew) a student of M.Sc Genetics, Department of Genetics, Hazara University, Manshera, Pakistan, who introduce me to Drosophila Melanogaster and its raising techniques.

13 comments:

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Another stunning series Birdy. It makes me wonder what work you do as your knowledge of these things is fantastic.

Birdy Official said...

Thanks Joan! To be honest I don't have any knowledge about any thing, just trying to learn from people like you.

Anonymous said...

Birdy, I agree with Joan's comment. I'm amazed at your knowledge and your patience. Amazing series of photos and text. After seeing your posts, I'm noticing the different types of flies in my yard.

Diane AZ said...

Fascinating post! I've never seen a fruit fly up so close before. The red eyes and striped body are a surprise. :)

sebi_2569 said...

beautiful capture; congratulations

Claudia said...

These pic's are very beautiful & interesting, congratulations!

Birdy Official said...

Thanks Kanak for the compliment. Capturing life cycle of insects need some time, but as regard the Drosophila melanogaster, it has very short life cycle consists of 7 days in ideal temperature (28 °C).

Thanks Diane for the feedback. I tried my best to get close and clear pictures, but this is what I manged with my out of order cameras (display and flesh are not working).

Thanks Sebi for the appreciation.

Philip said...

Very nice close up shots Birdy was amazes me is their see through bodies I have never seen anything like it before :))

Birdy Official said...

Thanks Claudia! Your visit and comment is highly appreciated.

Thanks Philip for the encouraging feedback.

DARKKNIGHT13 said...

Nice pics!!! keep it up! and well described :)

dianne said...

awesome!!! it helps me a lot in my research on drosophila..thanks!! well explained.

prof prem raj pushpakaran said...

prof premraj pushpakaran writes -- 2018 marks the 100th birth year of Edward Butts Lewis!!!

Birdy Official said...

Thanks for the reminder, much appreciated!

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