FRUIT FLY

There are many types referred to as “fruit” flies, including the true Fruit flies, Vinegar flies, and Pomace flies. The Drosophila are the most widely known, as much research has been done on them, including frequent use in high school biology classes in the study of genetics.

All varieties are small, usually 3/32nds of an inch, and always have marked wings. The Drosophila have red eyes and an orange body. Fruit flies have a keen sense of smell, and can detect odors from fruit from quite a considerable distance. Maggot larvae actually live in fermenting fruit and feed on the yeasts that are produced.

True Fruit flies include the famed “MedFly”—the Mediterranean Fruit fly which has caused so many problems for agriculture. Most are about 1/8th to 1/4th inch long, and can feed on up to 260 varieties of fruit. The larvae ruin growing fruit by feeding on the interior, and agricultural officials are always monitoring traps, not only for the Medfly, but also the Oriental Fruit fly and Mexican Fruit fly.

Life Cycle
Female Fruit Flies deposit 10-20 eggs in the fruit, which hatch in 2-12 days, depending upon the temperature and species. The larvae burrow into the fruit, and many maggots will be present in each. After 1-4 weeks in the larval stage, they usually emerge once the fruit has fallen to the ground, and then pupate in the soil for another 1-2 weeks. Adults may live up to a year. The entire life cycle can be completed in 3-4 weeks.