Fruit fly larva

Scientific Name: Drosophila melanogaster (often)

Order & Family: Order Diptera, Family Drosophilidae

Size: 1.0 to 6.0 mm in length

Fruit fly larva

Natural Habitat

Found near decaying organic matter, overripe fruit, vegetables, and drain pipes.

Diet & Feeding

Yeasts and bacteria growing on fermenting or decaying organic materials.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae emerge from eggs laid on or in moist organic material; they feed continuously until they reaching the pupa stage to undergo metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a nuisance pest in homes. While not directly harmful to humans, they can mechanically transfer bacteria from waste to food surfaces.

Identified on: 12/30/2025