Fruit Fly
Drosophila melanogaster
Tiny, red-eyed, and endlessly hovering, fruit flies are a familiar nuisance in homes, restaurants, and bars. Despite their small size, they are notoriously persistent due to their incredibly fast breeding cycle.
About this species
Fruit flies are named for their primary target: fermenting sugars. You’ll often see them in a slow, hovering flight around fruit bowls, wine glasses, trash bins, and recycling containers.
Where they breed
Their breeding sites are as small as their appetites. They lay eggs directly on or near overripe produce. They’re also found in the film inside garbage disposals, in recycling cans, in damp mop heads, and even in spilled juice under the refrigerator. A single forgotten piece of fruit or a dirty drain can sustain an entire population.
Identification
Size:
1/8 inch (3 mm) long
Color:
Tan to brownish-yellow body
Key ID Features:
- Distinctive bright red eyes
- Slightly rounded body shape
Photos
