Fruit Fly (Vinegar Fly)

Commonly found in residential kitchens, restaurants, and grocery stores where overripe fruit or fermenting organic matter is present.

Larvae and adults feed on microorganisms (yeast) found on decaying/fermenting fruit and vegetables.

Very short life cycle (~8-10 days); attracted to the smell of fermentation and acetic acid; and highly active during the day.

Generally considered a nuisance pest that can contaminate food with bacteria; however, they are invaluable model organisms in genetic and biological research.