Fruit Fly Pupa

Typically found in homes, restaurants, or grocery stores near decaying organic matter like overripe fruit, vegetables, drains, or garbage disposals.

The pupa itself does not eat; however, the larvae (maggots) that form it feed on fermenting plant material, yeast, and bacteria.

Larvae wander away from their moist food source to a drier location to pupate. The pupal stage is stationary, where the casing hardens and darkens from white to yellowish-brown as the adult fly develops inside.

Risks: Nuisance pest in homes; can contaminate food with bacteria. Benefits: Crucial model organism for scientific research in genetics and development.