Fruit Fly

Commonly found in residential kitchens, restaurants, and grocery stores where ripened or fermenting fruits and vegetables are present.

Larvae and adults feed on the yeast and liquids from fermenting organic matter, particularly overripe fruits and vegetables.

They have a very short life cycle (about 8-10 days). Adults are attracted to light and the smell of fermentation; they are known for their rapid hovering flight patterns.

Risks: They can contaminate food with bacteria and pathogens collected from unsanitary surfaces. Benefits: They are one of the most important model organisms used in biological and genetic research.