Fruit flies and their microbes

Fruit flies encompass an exceptionally diverse group of insect species, varying in genetics, habitats, behaviors, and food sources. They have long served as a cornerstone of biological research, contributing to numerous discoveries across fields, including microbiology. One key finding is that the fruit fly microbiome plays an essential role in their health and development. At the same time, some fruit fly species are serious agricultural pests, causing extensive crop damage and generating billions of dollars in annual losses for control and monitoring efforts. Many flies, including invasive species, depend on microbes to break down plant material into forms they can digest, much like humans rely on gut microbes for food digestion. Beyond agriculture, fruit flies are also problematic in the food industry, particularly where decaying organic matter attracts them. Interestingly, certain microbes infect fruit flies and provide protection against predators and pathogens, and some of these microbial interactions are being harnessed to control agricultural pests and mosquito-borne diseases globally. Thus, fruit fly microbiology not only advances scientific understanding but also has direct implications for several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).