Dispersal of yeasts and bacteria by Drosophila in a temperate forest.

The dispersal of yeasts, bacteria and molds by Drosophila and Hymenoptera was examined in a deciduous woods in Bloomington, Indiana. Drosophila were found to be significant vectors of yeasts and bacteria, while Hymenoptera also transmitted molds. Analyses of their microbe contents indicated sap feeding Drosophila carried mainly yeasts, fungus feeding Drosophila carried primarily bacteria and ants carried primarily molds.