Fruit Flies Care Sheet

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Introduction 

Common Name: Flightless Fruit Fly 

Scientific Name:  Drosophila hydei/melanogaster 

Drosophila hydei (giant) and Drosophila melanogaster (regular) are flightless fruit flies that are popular feeder insects for small reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Their small size and ease of care make them ideal for feeding tiny pets, such as dart frogs, young reptiles, or tarantulas. Drosophila hydeiare larger, making them suitable for slightly larger pets, while Drosophila melanogasterare smaller and often used for hatchlings or smaller species. 

Nutritional Benefits 

Fruit flies are a reliable source of protein and are essential for feeding small insectivores. They are especially valuable for animals that require a live and active prey item. Although they are not as nutritionally dense as larger insects, they are perfect for smaller pets and those that hunt by sight. 

Typical nutritional analysis of fruit flies: 

  • Moisture:  

  • Fat:  

  • Protein:  

  • Fiber:  

  • Calcium:  

Unique Characteristics 

  • Flightless: Both Drosophila hydei and Drosophila melanogaster strains are flightless, making them easy to handle and ideal for feeding pets in a controlled environment. 

  • Breeding: Fruit flies reproduce quickly, so maintaining a colony can provide a consistent food source for your pets. 

  • Size Difference: Drosophila hydei are approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) in length, while Drosophila melanogasterare around 1/16 inch (2 mm), allowing you to choose the appropriate size based on your pet's needs. 

Housing and Bedding 

  • Container: Fluker Farms ships fruit flies in the media that will last 3-4 weeks without maintenance. Use a ventilated plastic container or a deli cup with a breathable lid. Ensure the container is secure to prevent the fruit flies from escaping. 

  • Substrate: Provide a substrate of pre-made fruit fly media. You can purchase commercial fruit fly media specifically designed for breeding. 

Feeding and Maintenance 

  1. Temperature: Keep the container at room temperature, ideally between 70-75°F (21-24°C). Higher temperatures can speed up the life cycle, while lower temperatures will slow it down. 

  1. Moisture: Fruit fly media provides sufficient moisture for the flies. However, ensure the media does not dry out completely. You can add a few drops of water, if necessary, but avoid making it too wet, as this can lead to mold growth. 

  1. Feeding: Fruit flies do not require additional feeding if they are on a well-prepared media. However, if you are maintaining a long-term culture, you can add a small piece of fruit (e.g., banana or apple) to keep them fed. 

Breeding and Lifecycle 

  1. Breeding Cycle: Both species reproduce quickly, with the entire life cycle (egg to adult) taking around 2-4 weeks depending on temperature. After mating, females will lay eggs on the food media, and larvae will hatch and feed on the substrate. 

  1. Harvesting: When you notice many adult flies, tap the container gently to dislodge them, then open the lid slightly and shake them into your pet’s enclosure. 

  1. Maintaining the Colony: To maintain a continuous supply of fruit flies, set up new cultures every 2-4 weeks by transferring a portion of the adult flies to a fresh container with new media. 

Storage and Longevity 

  • Short-term Storage: Keep the culture at room temperature. Fruit flies do not require refrigeration. 

  • Long-term Storage: Cultures can last several weeks to months, depending on how well they are maintained. Rotate cultures regularly to ensure a consistent supply of flies. 

Feeding to Reptiles and Amphibians 

  • Feeding Frequency: Feed fruit flies directly to your pets as needed, adjusting the quantity based on the size and dietary requirements of your animal. 

  • Dusting: Since fruit flies have a low calcium content, it is recommended to dust them with a calcium supplement before feeding to ensure your pets receive essential nutrients. 

Additional Considerations 

  • Avoid Mold: Mold can be an issue in fruit fly cultures. Keep the culture clean, and if mold appears, transfer the flies to a new container with fresh media. 

  • Escape Prevention: Be cautious when opening the container, as fruit flies can quickly escape. A fine mesh or cloth can be used as a lid to prevent escape while allowing airflow. 

  • Disposal: To dispose of live feeders responsibly, place in an escape-proof bag or container, freeze for at least 24 hours, and then dispose of in the garbage can.  

 Find out more about the safe disposal of live feeder insects. 
By following these guidelines, you can maintain healthy fruit fly cultures and provide a reliable source of small, live feeder insects for your reptiles and amphibians. Regular care and monitoring of the cultures will ensure your pets receive the best possible nutrition from their diet of fruit flies. 

 

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