Fruit Fly (Larva stage)

Found worldwide, especially near ripening fruit, compost bins, vegetable gardens, and kitchen drains.

Larvae feed on yeast, sugar, and decaying organic matter found in fermenting fruit and vegetables.

Larvae hatch from eggs within 24–30 hours and immediately begin tunneling through moist organic material. They undergo three instars (molts) before wandering to a dry surface to pupate.

Generally considered a nuisance pest in households; they can potentially transfer bacteria to food surfaces. However, they are essential in ecosystems for decomposing organic matter and are a primary model organism in genetic research.