Fruit Fly Larva (Maggot)

Scientific Name: Drosophila melanogaster (most common)

Order & Family: Order: Diptera, Family: Drosophilidae

Size: Typically 1 to 5 millimeters long; they are very small and often require magnification to see details clearly.

Fruit Fly Larva (Maggot)

Natural Habitat

Found near decaying organic matter, especially overripe fruits, vegetables, garbage disposals, drains, and spills of fermented liquids like beer or wine.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on fungi (yeast) and bacteria growing on rotting plant material and fruits.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae hatch from eggs laid in rotting material and feed voraciously for several days. They then migrate to a drier location to pupate. The life cycle is extremely rapid, completing in about a week under ideal warm conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can be a significant nuisance in homes and restaurants; potential to spread bacteria; can spoil food. Benefits: Extremely important model organism for genetic research.

Identified on: 2/9/2026