Order: Diptera

Family: Drosophilidae

The common name of fruit fly was given to these pests because of their affinity for decaying fruit. They are also referred to as "small" or "vinegar" flies. There are several fruit fly species; however, the two most common in our area are the D. melanogaster and the D. repleta. Although these pests are thought to be just a common annoyance, fruit flies have been implicated as disease vectors. Fruit flies occur in homes, restaurants, grocery stores, fruit markets, canneries, hospitals, and food production facilities.

Description: Fruit flies are approximately 1/8 inch long. They are light-brown to brownish-black in color and have red eyes. The D. repletas can be distinguished from D. melanogaster by its dark body, darker eyes, and noticeably larger size.

Biology: Each female species will lay her eggs on suitable organic matter. The eggs will hatch in about 30 hours, and the larvae will feed for five to six days before pupating near a dry surface. The newly emerged adults will mate in two days, making the complete life cycle a mere 8-10 days long. Their short life cycle has enormous reproductive potential.

Habits: The D. melanogaster are attracted to fermenting organic matter high in sugars, but the D. repletas are attracted to protein-based organic matter that is in an advanced state of decay. Many of the common fruit fly-infested materials are: bananas, grapes, peaches, pineapples, tomatoes, potatoes, beer, cider, vinegar, wine, and human and animal excrement. Not only are these materials prone to infestation, but the items used to clean those materials (brooms, mops, water buckets) which contain leftover matter, can be infested as well.