Fruit fly (or Gnat)

Found globally in urban and rural environments, specifically near fermenting organic matter like ripened fruit and vegetables.

Primarily feeds on yeast and the liquids produced by rotting fruit and organic matter.

They have a very fast life cycle, developing from egg to adult in about a week. They are highly active during the day and are attracted to the smell of fermentation.

Generally considered a nuisance pest in homes; however, they are invaluable to science as a biological model organism. They can cross-contaminate food with bacteria, but they do not bite humans.