Fruit Fly

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in kitchens, restaurants, and other areas where ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables are present. They are attracted to moist, organic decaying matter.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on ripe, rotting, or fermenting fruits and vegetables, as well as sugary liquids and other organic decaying matter. Larvae feed within the fermenting material.

Behavior Patterns

Adult fruit flies are very small and can often be seen flying erratically or resting on surfaces near food sources. They breed rapidly, with a life cycle from egg to adult taking about 7-14 days depending on temperature. Females lay eggs on ripening or fermenting fruit. They are most active during the day.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can be a nuisance pest in homes and commercial settings. They can contaminate food by transferring microorganisms from contaminated surfaces to clean food. While generally not harmful, large infestations are unsanitary. Benefits: Important model organism in genetic and biological research.

Identified on: 11/2/2025