Fruit fly

Typically found in homes, grocery stores, and restaurants, especially near fermenting or rotting produce.

Feed on decaying organic matter, yeast, and fermenting liquids like overripe fruit, vinegar, or beer.

Fruit flies are known for their rapid reproduction; they can complete their life cycle in as little as 8-10 days. They are most active during the day and are strongly attracted to sugary and fermenting smells.

Generally considered a nuisance pest rather than a health threat, but they can cross-contaminate food with bacteria. In science, they are highly beneficial as a primary model organism for genetic and biological research.