Fruit Fly vs Spotted Wing Drosophila
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fruit Fly | Spotted Wing Drosophila |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Drosophila melanogaster | Drosophila suzukii |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Drosophilidae | Drosophilidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide | Asia, worldwide (invasive) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Fruit Fly
The most studied organism in genetics. Six Nobel Prizes have been awarded for research on this tiny fly. 75% of human disease genes have recognizable matches in its genome.
Did You Know?
The fruit fly shares 60% of its DNA with humans and 75% of human disease genes have a match in the fruit fly genome — making it invaluable for medical research.
Spotted Wing Drosophila
An invasive fruit fly from East Asia with a saw-like ovipositor that lets it lay eggs in ripening (not rotten) fruit — devastating soft fruit crops worldwide since its spread in 2008.
Did You Know?
Unlike most fruit flies that only attack rotting fruit, this species cuts into perfectly ripe fruit with its serrated ovipositor — causing billions in crop damage globally.