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drosophila melanogaster


drosophila melanogaster
Photo Information
Copyright: Mark Galea (magal) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 224 W: 0 N: 313] (1241)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-11-11
Categories: Insects
Camera: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ30EG, Raynox DCR-150
Exposure: f/9.0, 1/100 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Flies [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2006-11-12 4:26
Viewed: 3276
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Drosophila is a genus of small flies whose members are often called small fruit flies, or more appropriately vinegar flies, wine flies, pomace flies, grape flies, and picked fruit-flies. This species in particular, Drosophila melanogaster, has been heavily used in research in genetics and is a common model organism in developmental biology. Indeed, the terms "fruit fly" and "Drosophila" are often used synonymously with D. melanogaster in modern biological literature. The entire genus, however, contains about 1,500 species and is very diverse in appearance, behavior, and breeding habitat.

Drosophila are found all around the world, with more species in the tropical regions. They can be found in deserts, tropical rainforest, cities, swamps, and alpine zones. Some northern species hibernate. Most species breed in various kinds of decaying plant and fungal material, including fruit, bark, slime fluxes, flowers, and mushrooms. A few species have switched to being parasites or predators. Many species can be attracted to baits of fermented bananas or mushrooms, but others are not attracted to any kind of baits. Males may congregate at patches of suitable breeding substrate to compete for the females, or form leks, conducting courtship in an area separate from breeding sites.

Several Drosophila species, including D. melanogaster, D. immigrans, and D. simulans, are closely associated with humans, and are often referred to as domestic species. These and other species (D. subobscura, Zaprionus indianus) have been accidentally introduced around the world by human activities such as fruit transports.
The shot was captured with the Raynox convertor attached and the zoom set at x12. I had to use the tripod [with one leg extended] for support. Focus mode - manual. Fill flash used because at f9, I had to underexpose in order to get an adequate shutter speed.
Thanks for watching
Mark
jcoowanitwong, fartash, elefantino, ramthakur, rkyobo, SkyF has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To ramthakur: HImagal 1 11-13 14:59
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Mark,
So sharp and crystal clear picture. I like the texture details of this picture. The background red-pink color also stunning. Very well done and TFS.
JC

Hello Mark
Very nice shot of Drosophila,
Perfect focusing and composition,
Beautiful colors ,Excellent.

Regards
Fartash

Ciao Mark, dettagli incredibili!
Ottima foto anche un bel BG.
Andrea

bonjour MARK
excellent détails sur cet insecte, bonnes couleurs
bon travail merci du partage
edith

Hello Mark,
You have handled this macro shot extremely well with camera settings judiciously selected in view of the prevailing conditions. The focus on the head and the upper body is just perfect, giving crisp and sharp details.
Is the red BG formed by a leaf or a flower petal? Couldn't decipher the difference.
Thanks for sharing the image and take care.
Ram

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2233 W: 188 N: 1929] (8127)
  • [2006-11-15 7:59]

Hi Mark,
great macro composition, the BG is wonderful. POV, colors and sharpness are excellent.
TFS. Sky

I like the contrast here as the red leaf made the fly stand out. Very sharp !

TFS

  • Great 
  • nimou Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 148 W: 1 N: 687] (3169)
  • [2006-12-14 14:33]

Sharps details of this diminute fly. Great shot mark

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