
Community identification
Fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera, Family: Drosophilidae
- Size
- 3 to 4 millimeters in length.
Natural Habitat
Found near decaying organic matter, overripe fruit, and damp areas indoors and outdoors.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on yeasts and bacteria associated with fermenting fruit and decaying plant material.
Behavior Patterns
Exhibits rapid flight patterns and high reproductive rates, laying eggs directly on moist organic surfaces.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite humans or transmit diseases, but they can contaminate food and become a severe household nuisance.