Australia's Science Forum

Hi Everyone,

Hope you all had a wonderful break

Ive been asked if we are allowed to breed fruit flies to study genetics within the classroom ....I DONT KNOW !!!

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

We did it last year, was going to do it this year but teacher changed her mind. Its alot of work but quite interesting.

You can purchase them from Southern Biological and they are more then happy to help. The white eyed and vesidual wings worked well, didnt have much luck with the ebony.

If you have any questions, more then happy to help.

I don't know about NSW, depends on quarantine. Do you have fruit fly in NSW, I know that in SA no fruit is allowed into the state.

We did that last year. Purchased them from Southern biological.
The same as David, white eyed and vestidual wings worked well. Very interesting, kids love it. I dont think it is mandatory prac but our bio teacher still does it.
Lada

Thanks guys,

I will go and have a look at Southern Biological

Hey guys,
There is a program called DrosophiLab (freeware) which enables you to virtually breed fruit flies with characteristics you choose. I don't know if it's of use to anyone, but I thought I'd just "fly" that one out there!

Also we have some dinolites (digital microscopes) there about $60 each but are fantastic for identifying the sexes and characteristics. Alot easier then using hand lens and you can plug them straight into a laptop or computer to bring the picture up.

Hi dss8386,

Where did you buy your dinolites from. I want to purchase some this year and $60 is a great price