Fruit fly

Found worldwide in association with human habitats, particularly where ripening or fermenting fruit and vegetables are present.

Larvae eat yeast and fungi growing on decaying plant matter; adults feed on liquid from decaying fruit and sugar sources.

Attracted to the smell of fermentation; they have a very fast life cycle (approx. 8-10 days) and are primarily active during the day.

Generally a nuisance pest that can contaminate food with bacteria; however, they are highly beneficial as a model organism in biological and genetic research.