Drosophila obscura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Drosophila obscura |
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Sophophora
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D. obscura
Fallén, 1823
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| Drosophila obscura |
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Drosophila obscuroides Pomini, 1940 |
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Drosophila obscura is a very common type of fruit fly found across Europe. These tiny flies live in many different places, but you won't usually find them near the coast or in open, grassy heathland areas.
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Discovering the Obscura Fruit Fly
Drosophila obscura is a small insect that belongs to the same family as the fruit flies you might see around ripe bananas. This specific fly was first described in 1823 by a scientist named Carl Fredrik Fallén. It's a very common sight in many parts of Europe.
Where Do They Live?
These fruit flies are quite adaptable. They prefer places like forests and woodlands. You can find them almost anywhere in Europe, except for very specific spots. They tend to avoid salty coastal areas and wide-open, low-growing plant areas called heathlands. This means they like environments with more trees and shelter.
What About Their Babies?
The young flies, called larvae, grow in a special place. They live inside the sticky, sweet sap that oozes from deciduous trees. Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves in the autumn, like oak or maple trees. The sap provides food and a safe home for the developing larvae as they grow.
A Family of Similar Flies
The name Drosophila obscura actually refers to a whole group of fruit flies that look very much alike. They are all part of a larger group called the Drosophila obscura species group. These flies belong to the Sophophora subgenus. Other well-known flies in this group include:
- The Mediterranean fly, Drosophila subobscura, which is common around the Mediterranean Sea.
- The North American fly, D. pseudoobscura, found across North America.
These flies are studied by scientists to understand how different species evolve and adapt to their environments.
