
Community identification
Fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera; Family: Drosophilidae
- Size
- 3 to 4 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Worldwide, commonly found in homes, grocery stores, and restaurants near decaying organic matter.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly overripe or decaying fruits and vegetables, and the fungi/yeast produced by fermentation.
Behavior Patterns
Attracted to the smell of alcohol and fermentation; they have a very rapid life cycle (approx. 8-10 days) and are most active during the day.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or sting but are considered nuisance pests that can potentially contaminate food with bacteria; however, they are highly beneficial in scientific research as model organisms for genetics.