The
Drosophilidae are a diverse,
cosmopolitan family of
flies, which includes fruit flies. Another family of flies called the Tephritidae also includes fruit flies. The best known species of the Drosophilidae is
Drosophila melanogaster, within the
genus Drosophila, and this species is used extensively for studies concerning
genetics, development,
physiology,
ecology and
behaviour. This fruit fly is mostly composed of
post-mitotic cells, has a very short lifespan, and shows gradual aging. As in other species, temperature influences the life history of the animal. Several genes have been identified that can be manipulated to extend the lifespan of these insects.
