Fruit Fly Care Guide

Overview

Flightless Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies are a cornerstone feeder for small amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. They’re easy to culture, nutrient-rich, and reproduce rapidly under consistent conditions.

Culture Setup

Container: Standard 32 oz deli cup with a fabric-vented lid.
Medium: A premade fly media or your own blend (potato flakes, yeast, vinegar, and sugar).
Excelsior: Add a handful of wood shavings or coffee filters for climbing and pupation space.
Temperature: 70–78°F — cooler slows reproduction, hotter shortens lifespan.
Light: Ambient light only.

Feeding & Maintenance

Flies self-feed on the media.
If condensation builds up on the lid, reduce moisture slightly.
Start a new culture every 10–14 days to ensure continuous supply.

Life Cycle

Eggs hatch within 1–2 days.
Larvae pupate by day 7–8.
Adults emerge by day 10–12.
Each culture produces steadily for 3–4 weeks before decline.

Troubleshooting

Mites present: Chill the culture in the fridge for 10 minutes before seeding a new one — mites die, flies don’t.
Dry media: Add a few drops of water to restore humidity.
Low production: Move to a slightly warmer area (mid-70s).

Tip from Microterra Labs:
Keep a rotation of 4–5 active cultures started one week apart. That way, you always have at least one at peak production.