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Vinegar Fly/Fruit Fly
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University) |
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Common Name: Vinegar Fly/Fruit Fly
Order: Diptera Family: Drosophilidae Pest Status: Vinegar flies are commonly called fruit flies but should be differentiated with the much more serious and unrelated "fruit flies" that damage citrus and other crops. Vinegar flies are a nuisance pest in homes, restaurants, and other areas where fresh fruits and vegetables are prepared or stored. Appearance: Vinegar flies are small (1/10-inch), delicate flies, have red eyes, are yellow-brown in color, and have transverse black rings across their abdomen. Life Cycle: Females lay their eggs on the surface of rotting fruit, in clogged drains or in dirty garbage cans. The time required to complete one life cycle is mainly dependent on the surrounding air temperatures, and can range from 8-20 days. Where to Collect: Fruit flies are common during the fall in homes, restaurants, supermarkets, and wherever food is allowed to ferment or where trash receptacles are not cleaned. |
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