Fruit Fly (or possibly other small fly)
Scientific Name: Drosophila melanogaster (for common fruit fly, though exact species is hard to determine from image)
Order & Family: Order: Diptera (flies), likely Family: Drosophilidae (fruit flies) or a related small fly family.
Size: Typically 2-4 mm (0.08-0.16 inches) long.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in kitchens, pantries, and any areas where ripe, rotting, or fermenting fruits and vegetables are present. They can also be found near garbage cans, drains, and spills of sugary liquids.
Diet & Feeding
Adult fruit flies primarily feed on decaying fruit, vegetables, and other organic matter, as well as fermented liquids like vinegar or alcoholic beverages. Larvae feed on the microorganisms and decaying material within their breeding substrate.
Behavior Patterns
Flies are typically active during the day, seeking out food sources or mates. Many are attracted to light, decaying organic matter, or warmth. Their erratic flight patterns are common. Reproduction involves laying eggs, which hatch into larvae (maggots) that feed and grow, eventually pupating before emerging as adult flies.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include being a nuisance pest, contaminating food products with bacteria or yeast from their bodies, and causing food spoilage by laying eggs in ripening produce. Generally, they do not pose a direct health threat through bites or stings. Benefits are minimal in household settings, but in nature, they play a role in decomposition and are important model organisms in scientific research.
Identified on: 9/4/2025