Fruit fly (or Vinegar fly)

Commonly found in homes, restaurants, and grocery stores, especially near fermenting organic materials like overripe fruit, vegetables, or sugary spills.

Larvae and adults feed on the yeast and fungal growth associated with fermenting organic matter, particularly rotting fruits and vegetables.

Drawn to the smell of fermentation; they have a very fast life cycle (approx. 8-10 days) and are most active during the day. They are prolific breeders, laying hundreds of eggs at a time.

They do not bite or sting but are considered nuisance pests that can contaminate food with bacteria and pathogens picked up from unsanitary surfaces. They benefit researchers as a primary model organism in genetic studies.