JOURNAL ARTICLE

A single protein makes love-sick flies spill their guts.

  • Published In: Science News, 2025, v. 207, n. 11. P. 21 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Caetano Avritzer, Sofia 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses the unique mating behavior of the fly species Drosophila subobscura, where males attract females by vomiting a droplet of their last meal as a nuptial gift. Researchers found that this behavior may have evolved by repurposing brain cells that typically control digestion, specifically those producing a male-specific protein called fruitless. In contrast, related species like Drosophila melanogaster do not exhibit this behavior unless their digestion neurons are modified to produce the same protein, suggesting that the ability to vomit as a courtship tactic arose from a connection between digestion and courtship neural circuits. This study highlights the evolutionary adaptations in mating strategies among different fly species. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Science News. 2025/11, Vol. 207, Issue 11, p21
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0036-8423
  • Accession Number:188383514
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