Fruit Fly

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in kitchens, pantries, and other areas where ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables are present. They can also be found near garbage disposals, drains, and trash cans.

Diet & Feeding

Adult fruit flies feed on decaying fruits, vegetables, and other organic matter, as well as fermenting liquids like vinegar, beer, and wine. Larvae feed on the yeasts found on the surface of fermenting produce.

Behavior Patterns

Fruit flies are attracted to ripe and fermenting fruits and vegetables. They have a rapid life cycle, often completing a generation in about 8-10 days under optimal conditions. Adults are typically seen flying around food sources or fermenting liquids.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can be a nuisance pest in homes and food establishments. While generally not considered a public health pest, they can contaminate food with bacteria and other pathogens carried on their bodies. Benefits: In scientific research, especially 'Drosophila melanogaster', they are extensively used as model organisms for genetic and developmental studies due to their rapid life cycle and easy rearing.

Identified on: 8/31/2025