Fruit Fly

Natural Habitat

Commonly found near fermenting fruits, vegetables, and other organic matter. Often seen in kitchens, grocery stores, and agricultural areas.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on yeast and bacteria found in decaying and fermenting fruits, vegetables, and other sugary substances. Larvae develop within these materials.

Behavior Patterns

Highly attracted to ripe and fermenting produce. Females lay eggs on these food sources. They have a short life cycle (about 1-2 weeks), leading to rapid population growth. They are known for their erratic flight patterns.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: Can be a nuisance pest in homes and commercial settings. While they do not bite or transmit diseases to humans, their presence can indicate overripe produce or sanitation issues. Potential Benefits: Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used model organism in genetic and biological research due to its rapid reproduction and easily observable genetic traits.

Identified on: 9/4/2025