Fruit fly (Drosophilid fly)

Found globally, typically in kitchens, grocery stores, and gardens where fermenting or decaying organic matter is present.

Adults and larvae feed on decaying organic materials, particularly ripening or fermenting fruits and vegetables, and the yeast growing on them.

They are active year-round indoors and have a very rapid life cycle; eggs hatch into larvae within 24–30 hours. They are highly attracted to the smell of fermentation.

Considered a nuisance pest that can contaminate food with bacteria. Beneficially, they are one of the most important model organisms in genetics and biological research.