Fruit Fly

Worldwide distribution, typically found near rotting fruit, vegetable gardens, compost bins, and inside homes near kitchens or trash.

Larvae and adults feed on the microorganisms (mostly yeast) found on decaying organic matter and fermenting sugary liquids.

Attracted to the smell of fermentation; they have a very rapid life cycle (about 8-10 days from egg to adult) and are active year-round in warm indoor environments.

Generally considered a nuisance pest in homes. While they do not bite, they can potentially transport bacteria from decaying matter to fresh food. They are immensely beneficial to science as a primary model organism in genetic and biological research.