Fruit fly larva
Scientific Name: Drosophila melanogaster (often)
Order & Family: Order Diptera, Family Drosophilidae
Size: 1.0 to 6.0 mm in length

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