Killifish

A home-made fly trap thats very effective
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

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Fruit Fly Culture (D. melanogaster) - 32oz (mature)

Dubuque, Iowa, 520**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8

Looking for an easy and reliable feeder insect for your dart frogs, fish, mantids, or juvenile reptiles? Our D. melanogaster Fruit Fly Cultures are the perfect choice! These small, flightless fruit flies can be easily produced at home offering a continuous supply for 30-50 days!
Product Features:
Species: Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) Fruit FliesPerfect for: Dart frogs, fish, mantids, juvenile reptiles, and other insectivoresCulture Lifespan: Each culture typically produces ... more

Fruit Fly Culture 3 Flightless + 3 Wingless Dart Frog Food 6 Total Cultures

Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$57


6 Pack of 2 different Cultures
Melongaster Flightless Fruit Flies x3
Melongaster Wingless Fruit Flies x3
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 ... more

Hydei (Golden) LIVE Fruit Fly Culture (retail)

San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10

Buy Drosophila hydei Flightless Fruit Fly Cultures - Superior Feeder Insects for Medium to Large Reptiles & Amphibians
Enhance your pet’s diet with Drosophila hydei flightless fruit fly cultures—an excellent live food source for medium to large reptiles and amphibians. Drosophila hydei are known for their larger size, slow movement, and unique flightless trait, making them the ideal feeder insect for chameleons, frogs, geckos, and other insectivores that need more substantial ... more

Fresh Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Fly Culture | Free Shipping | LIVE FEEDERS

Porter, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15


Fresh Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Fly Culture (WM)Size: Wingless Melanogaster are small fruit flies adults are near 3mm long
Each culture is started fresh in a 32 oz vented cup using our high-quality fruit fly media
a nutrient-rich blend designed to support strong fly production and extended culture life
Get the Best Savings with ERAWAN IMPORTS!
At Erawan Imports, we are dedicated to delivering the quality you expect
We pride ourselves on fast delivery and producing quality... more

Fresh Hydei Fruit Fly Culture | Free Shipping | LIVE FEEDERS

Porter, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$15

Hydei Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila hydei)Size: Adults reach approximately 4mm in length, making them one of the larger flightless fruit fly species
These Hydei are extremely prolific and make excellent feeders for small reptiles, amphibians, jumping spiders, and other invertebrates
Each culture is started fresh in a 32 oz vented cup using our high-quality fruit fly media
a nutrient-rich blend designed to support strong fly production and extended culture life
Get the Best ... more