We studied lifespan (LS) of Drosophila melanogaster strains HA and BA. The
first one was generated by long-term selection for low male sexual activity
and features decreased LS as well as the changes in a relatively constant
index-coefficient of LS variation. The BA strain was derived from the I-IA
strain by reverse selection and has the mean LS and coefficient of LS varia
tion similar to those of the normal strain D-32. Analysis of the death curv
es of the HA strain insects does not exclude existence of a subpopulation w
ith the normal LS within these strain. The obtained data are discussed in t
he context of possible involvement of mobile element transposition in anima
l LS control.