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The article focuses on a genetic study conducted on fruit flies to know their behavior. The study was conducted by Ralph Greenspan and Herman Dierick of the Neurosciences Institute in San Diego, California. The flies were 30 times more aggressive after 21 generations. The ones that lasted longer, were fiercer. Their genome analysis revealed that higher levels of an enzyme called CYP6a20 were present in the heads of aggressive flies.

This article presents information on petroleum fly, observed in places like the Rancho La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles. First spotted more than a century ago, this fly Halaeomiyia petrolei, feeds on insects that get stuck to the surface of oil or tar pools. The fly's larvae, known as oil pool maggots, spend almost all their time submerged in the oil, surviving on oil-eating bacteria and organic debris. The petroleum fly has long been a source of interest for researchers intrigued by its ability to survive amid toxic fumes that would kill off other species. The key lies with the microbes that live in the larvae's gut. Given that their guts are full of asphalt, it seems remarkable the microbes survive at all. Surprisingly, oil-rich environments can host a rich mix of plants, which in turn attract wildlife.

Reports on the placing of the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly in the endangered species list. Opinion of building developers and city officials; Ecological roles of flies; Implications.

Reports on the restoration of sight to genetically defective fruit fly embryos by a team of San Diego State University scientists with the use of genetic techniques.

Announces export restrictions made by the Australian, New Zealand, Japanese and Taiwanese governments on fresh fruit from California's San Diego County, due to a continuous local infestation of Mexican and Mediterranean fruit flies in the area. Impact of the quarantine on the county's agricultural business; Details concerning the fruit fly infestation; Concerns over the possible spread of the infestations.

The article offers information on the disappearance of honeybee colonies across the country. It says that 30% of honeybee colonies have disappeared each year since 2006. It mentions that the researcher John Hafernik at San Francisco State University in California and found that the fly was the possible cause on the loss of bees.

The article reports on the concerns raised by Texas AgriLife Extension Service entomologists on the discovery of a deadly fly parasite in honeybees in California and South Dakota. Entomologist Paul Nester claims that discovery might prevent biological control efforts on the red imported fire ant through a case of mistaken identity. He adds that honeybees are in serious decline and the reason has not been found yet.

Focuses on the effects of the Mexican fruit fly on the earnings of various organic farmers in San Diego, California. Reduction of income; Fermentation of bacteria; Certification of various farms.

Reports on the effect of the fruit fly quarantine on the retail operation of fruit vendors in San Diego, California. Loss of revenue; Crop damages; Retrenchment of farm workers.

Presents several types of insects and animals causing problems in various parts of the United States. Cottontail rabbits in Seal Beach, California which are overrunning a retirement community; Africanized honeybees (killer bees) in Las Vegas, Nevada which are attacking people and animals; Swarms of flies in Naples, New York covering ceilings and doors.

Focuses on the developments of micromechanical insect-like devices by engineers at University of California at Berkeley. Hopes that by 2003 the machines will be used for tasks such as searching for lost hikers, and exploring earthquake-damaged buildings; Study of the airflow and force generated by fruit flies.

Focuses on the Dehli Sands fly in San Bernadino County in California. What the fly feeds on; How the fly became an endangered species in 1993; How development has reduced its habitat in California; Landowners who have designated their property as fly preserves.

Reports on the listing of the Delhi Sands fly as an endangered species by the United States government. Inhabiting of Delhi Sands fly of Colton, Calif.'s designated enterprise zone; Reactions of Colton residents on the federal government's decision; Punishment for harming or killing a member of an endangered species. INSET: To save or not to save?..

Reports that an Oriental fruit fly, known to damage 236 varieties of fruit and vegetable, was found in the University City area of San Diego, California.

The article focuses on concerns on spotted wing drosophila (SWD) among California fruit growers. A hearing was held in Stockton, California to discuss the SWD which is infesting the state. According to Kevin Hoffman, primary state entomologist of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, cherries are mostly at risk by the SWD. However, a laboratory test conducted by entomologist Arturo Kopp of the Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, demonstrated the SWD puncturing grape skins as well.

The article reports on the evaluation of flies as a control for lettuce aphid, a persistent pest in coastal lettuce in Monterey County, California. The use of various flowering plants support a number of syrphid species, natural enemies of the aphid, originated as a control for organically grown lettuce. Beneficial insects play a role against lettuce aphid and among them are green lacewings, minute pirate bugs and big-eyed bugs.

Focuses on the decision of continuing a property development project in the city of Fontana in southern California despite the inhabitation of the area by an endangered species of fly. Formation of a community facilities district to build infrastructure for the area; Expectation of the city's refinancing of outstanding bonds by October 2002; Media exposure that was received by the project due to the fly.