Fruit Fly

Found globally in gardens, orchards, and especially indoor environments like kitchens and grocery stores where decaying organic matter is present.

Primarily feeds on yeast and bacteria associated with rotting or fermenting fruits and vegetables.

Attracted to the smell of fermentation; they have a very short life cycle (about 8-10 days) and are most active during the day.

They are nuisance pests that can contaminate food with bacteria and pathogens. In science, they are invaluable model organisms for genetic research.