Fruit Fly

Natural Habitat

Commonly found around rotting or fermenting fruits and vegetables, kitchens, and anywhere organic material is decaying.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feeds on yeast found on overripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables. Also known to feed on fruit juices and other sugary liquids.

Behavior Patterns

Fruit flies are attracted to fermenting odors and lay their eggs on or near decaying organic matter. Their life cycle is very short, often completing in about 1-2 weeks, leading to rapid population growth. They are active during the day.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include being a nuisance pest in homes and food establishments. While generally not directly harmful to humans (they don't bite or sting, nor are known vectors for human disease), they can contaminate food with bacteria and yeast. They are also widely used in genetic research, making them beneficial for scientific discovery.

Identified on: 9/15/2025