Fruit fly

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in homes, grocery stores, restaurants, and gardens, especially near ripening or fermenting fruits and vegetables

Diet & Feeding

Adults and larvae feed on the microorganisms (yeast) and sugars found in fermenting and decaying organic matter

Behavior Patterns

They are highly attracted to the smell of fermentation; they have a very rapid life cycle, often completing development from egg to adult in about 8 to 10 days

Risks & Benefits

They are primarily a nuisance pest but can potentially contaminate food with bacteria; they are extremely beneficial in scientific research as model organisms for genetics and developmental biology

Identified on: 1/14/2026