Endangered Ugly Things has a post on the eleven Drosophila species listed as endangered and the one listed as threatened in 2006. These flies are known as picture winged for the patterns found on their wings. (The obligatory pictures can be found below the fold.) I'm especially happy that these flies are listed as "pomace flies" on the NatureServe website (search for "Drosophila"), and I bet Mel Green is as well. But what are these beautiful creatures doing on a blog called Endangered Ugly Things?
I found this website with more information on Hawaiian Drosophila.
Drosophila heteronuera, one of species listed as endangered in 2006.
Two D. heteronuera showing off their wings to each other.
Drosophila mulli which was listed as threatened in 2006.
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I tend to pick animals that would have problems gaining the support of the public. Drosophila very certainly fits into that category.
And I don't think the wings make them any prettier.
Their flies, for crying out loud!
I love flies and DEFINITELY think they need to be saved!
Don't kill them! I even wrote an article. Those drosophilas look beautiful, majestic, so...pretty!