Fruit Fly (Vinegar Fly)

Natural Habitat

Found globally near overripe fruit, vegetables, and fermenting organic matter; common in kitchens, orchards, and compost bins.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds primarily on the yeast and fungi growing on fermenting organic matter, particularly rotting fruits and sugar-rich substances.

Behavior Patterns

Active during daylight hours, especially at dawn and dusk. They have extremely rapid life cycles, maturing from egg to adult in about 8-10 days. Known for their strong sense of smell used to locate food sources.

Risks & Benefits

A significant nuisance pest in homes and food processing facilities that can contaminate food with bacteria. However, they are invaluable to science as a primary model organism for genetics and biological research.

Identified on: 1/7/2026