Drosophila melanogaster R.I.P.?
Posted by Paul Beuk on 08 April 2010 21:59:15

---

Ellinor Michel on Taxacom:

News on Names!

Drosophila melanogaster - Opinion issued on Case 3407 "A case that challenges the name of the biologists' favourite research subject, Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as 'Drosophila, the fruit fly', has concluded. The case submitted to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), proposed that the name Drosophila melanogaster be protected as a combination, but this was not supported by the Commission. This means that the fruit fly¹s name is likely to change to Sophophora melanogaster if results of a new evolutionary analysis are accepted."

With more information, publicity, and commentary:
ICZN News page
Nature: What's in a name? Fly world is abuzz
TimesOnline Identity crisis for fly that's the apple of scientists' eye
The Loom/Discover Magazine Drosophila, We Hardly Knew Ye
The Australian - Row over fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster name bugs scientists
Fox News - Fruit Fly Identity Crisis Dividing Scientists

on Twitter #Drosophaclypse and elsewhere...

(let us know of further coverage when you see it!)

Dr Ellinor Michel

Executive Secretary
International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature
Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD
+44 (0)207-942-5653 (alternative number -5516)
iczn-em@nhm.ac.uk