Fruit Flies
Key
Features of Fruit Flies
A family of very small (about 3mm) flies with prominent
red eyes, fruit flies are characterised by a slow hovering
flight in which the abdomen hangs down.
Biology
All fruit flies are associated with rotting fruit and
vegetables or fermenting liquids. One species breeds
in sour milk, for example, in the residue of forgotten
milk bottles.
The fruit fly’s eggs are laid on top of or near
rotting fruit or vegetable matter. The larvae emerge
from the eggs and feed near the surface of the fermenting
material for 5-6 days. The fruit fly larvae then crawl
to drier areas of the food source or even out of the
food source to pupate. Under ideal conditions, the life
cycle of the fruit fly, from egg to adult can be completed
in as little as eight days.
Distribution
Found throughout the world. Common near fresh or rotting
fruit and damp organic matter.
Significance
Because it frequents such unsanitary areas, the fruit
fly could potentially carry disease-causing bacteria
onto food products.
Control
The effective control of fruit flies includes good hygiene
and sanitation, residual insecticides and electric fly
traps.
