Fruit Fly Larva/Egg

Typically found in moist environments with decaying organic matter, such as overripe fruit, drain sewers, or trash bins.

Larvae feed on yeast and bacteria growing on fermenting fruits, vegetables, and other organic material.

Rapid life cycle (8-10 days). Females lay hundreds of eggs on fermenting surfaces. Larvae burrow into the food source to eat before moving to a dry area to pupate.

Generally considered a nuisance pest in homes. They do not bite but can mechanically transfer bacteria (like Salmonella) from dirty surfaces to fresh food. In science, they are highly beneficial as a model organism for genetic research.