Definition: drosophila

The fruit fly, which measures only 3 to 4 millimetres, flies quickly.

These insects can reproduce in warm climates every six to eight days from one egg-laying to the next generation. This explains why they are used in genetics for research on chromosomes and mutations.

Drosophila must be controlled in wine cellars because they carry many bacteria, including the dreaded acetic bacteria. Syn.: vinegar fly. Because its common name in French is "mouche du vinaigre" (vinegar fly), yes, you can catch flies with vinegar!