Fruit Fly

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in kitchens, pantries, and anywhere ripe or fermenting produce is stored. They also live outdoors near fruit trees, compost piles, and other sources of decaying organic material.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly yeasts found on ripe, fermenting, or rotting fruits and vegetables; also attracted to sugary liquids, spills, and other decaying organic matter.

Behavior Patterns

Fruit flies are attracted to ripe, fermenting, or rotting fruits and vegetables. They lay their eggs on these decaying materials, and the larvae develop within them. They are often seen flying in small, erratic patterns around food sources. They tend to be most active during warmer temperatures. Their short generation time allows for rapid population growth.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: Can be a nuisance pest in homes and commercial settings, especially where food is handled. While generally not considered a public health pest as they don't bite or spread disease to humans directly, they can contaminate food with bacteria and yeast from their bodies or the surfaces they land on. Potential Benefits: In scientific research, especially genetics and developmental biology, Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used model organism due to its simple genetics, short life cycle, and ease of breeding.

Identified on: 8/15/2025