Fruit fly (Drosophila) larva
Scientific Name: Drosophila melanogaster
Order & Family: Order: Diptera; Family: Drosophilidae
Size: 2mm to 4mm in length
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in overripe fruit, rotting plant material, and moist organic waste.
Diet & Feeding
Yeasts and bacteria growing on decaying vegetable and fruit surfaces.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae crawl through soft organic matter, feeding voraciously to undergo three growth stages (instars) before pupating.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to human health, but considered a nuisance pest in kitchens and can contaminate food by introducing bacteria from rotting matter.
Identified on: 1/6/2026