A home-made fly trap thats very effective
Media consistancy problems
When preparing food for the flies, it is easy to make it too hard or too soft. This is an advantage of the Sussex media mentioned in Fruit fly food which is right every time. Too wet media can be countered by inserting twisted or screwed kitchen roll or newspaper - both absorbing some moisture and creating walkways for the flies. This can be done in any case, and can increase fly yields if there is often a shortage of pupation sites.
Mold
Mold is scarcely a problem if mold inhibitors are used, but also moldy cultures are usually lightly populated. The flies (and larvae) prevent mold when present in great enough numbers. Using narrow vials with a small surface area certainly helps. When reusing old vials ensure they are cleaned efficiently - failure to do so will also increase the likelihood of mold. A soak in weak bleach can help, but make sure they are rinsed thoroughly afterwards.
Mites
Can destroy a culture. Some merely feed on the media with the flies, but some are parasitic or egg eating. Mites can be treated with Benzyl benzoate soaked bungs, but it is probably easier to discard all cultures and get clean fly stocks. Mite prevention is probably more appropriate, and flies should be housed away from possible contamination, such as in a larger closeable cabinet.
Flightless flies starting to fly
This does happen. Flies can breed with wild flies through thin vial tops (netting for example), or mix with them during handling. Where possible use foam bungs, and try to keep your flies in a closed space away from potential contamination. Once this happens, you really need to replace your stocks and start again.
Fly explosions
Yes they will get out. I use a vinegar trap; vial of vinegar with a perforated tin foil lid. The flies head straight for it.
Fruit fly cultures for sale
Killi.co.uk is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see
terms and conditions.
York Haven, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$18
Drosophila Hydei (also known as hydei) are likely the most common fruit fly and measure about 1 / 8 of an inch.
For best results store at 75-78°F and 60-80% humidity
This producing culture will be ready to feed from in 3-5 days after arrival.
Live arrive is guaranteed when you select Heat / Cold pack.
...
more
Vinita, Oklahoma, 743**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$18
The flightless Drosophila Melanogaster (small fruit fly) are bred in a 32oz reusable / dishwasher safe container with a vented lid. The lid has an easy access tab to limit the number of fruit fly escape and death from lid closure
The cup contains nutrient dense media: Wheat farina, malted barley, steel-cut oats, wheat bran, rolled oats, ground flax seeds, maize, apple puree, banana puree, water, apple cider vinegar, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, ground eggshell, smoked paprika, and spirulina. ...
more
Norwalk, California, 906**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$20
NEW CULTURES: You will receive 2 32oz deli cups that are freshly started and have about 50 flies to initiate breeding and avoid overpopulation (crashing), these have NO EGGS yet. It will take approximately 14 days to produce flies from when you receive it depending on environmental conditions
Fruit flies are perfect for mantids, geckos, anoles, salamanders, small spiders, dart frogs, and even bettas! Your culture should be kept between 70 and 80° and out of direct sunlight
...
more
Middletown, Pennsylvania, 170**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$7
Our Flightless Fruit Fly Culture 32 oz are made with Repashy
Live Flightless Fruit Flies are a great option for feeding small lizards and many species of frogs, especially because of their reproduction cycle. Each culture of flightless fruit flies has a lifespan of about one month, and even after they die, they will continually pupate from eggs laid by the adults in the culture! This will allow you to keep fruit flies for a while, as long as they are taken care of accurately
Oue Fruit ...
more
Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$57
6 pack Melongaster Wingless Fruit Flies
Live fruit flies are a great option for feeding small lizards and many species of frogs, especially because of their reproduction cycle. Each culture of flightless fruit flies has a lifespan of about one month, and even after they die, they will continually pupate from eggs laid by the adults in the culture! This will allow you to keep fruit flies for a while, as long as they are taken care of accurately
Regular fruit flies should be ...
more
