Why just fly?

<i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> is an incredible model system, providing tools and technologies that allow careful, effective, and reproducible research. This experimental approach, and the genetic tools and techniques available in <i>Drosophila</i> are desperately needed for the study of other insects, a hugely diverse group of huge importance to natural and productive ecosystems. For those of you with the skills and '<i>Drosophila</i> mindset', studying other insects may help us understand diversity, improve the security of food production, and help avoid the current, worrying, insect apocalypse.