Fruit Fly

Natural Habitat

Near ripening or fermenting fruit, vegetables, and other organic matter in homes, restaurants, and food processing plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae and adults feed on yeast and microorganisms found in fermenting fruit and organic sludge.

Behavior Patterns

Attracted to the smell of fermentation; they have a very rapid life cycle (egg to adult in about 8-10 days) and are most active in the daytime.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance pest that can contaminate food with bacteria (like salmonella or E. coli), though they are invaluable in genetic and biological research.

Identified on: 12/27/2025