Fruit fly

Natural Habitat

Typically found in kitchens near ripening fruits, vegetables, and decaying organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on fungi, yeasts, and fermented sugars found in overripe or decaying fruit and organic materials.

Behavior Patterns

Drawn to the smell of fermentation, they have a very fast life cycle from egg to adult (about 8-10 days). They are often seen hovering around food or trash.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless as they do not bite, but they can mechanically transfer bacteria from waste to food surfaces. They are extensively used as a beneficial model organism in genetic research.

Identified on: 2/22/2026