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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"Turkish Glider" Melanogaster (Fruit Fly Culture) - LIVE FEEDER INSECT DART FROG

Cleveland, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
- IN EXTREME TEMPS LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE
WILL ONLY BE IN EFFECT WHEN UPGRADED TO
PRIORITY MAIL OR IN TEMPS BETWEEN 0 - 85F
- COOL PACKS WILL BE ADDED IF NEEDED
(I CHECK TEMPS BEFORE SHIPMENT)
- UPGRADED PRIORITY SHIPPING IS RECOMMENDED
FOR THE SAFEST ARRIVAL
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Name: "Turkish Glider" Melanogaster Fruit Fly
Size: 1 / ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Wingless Melanogaster)

Ogden, Utah, 844**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$16

Wingless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster). Condition is New. These flightless fruit fly cultures come in a 32oz cup with a ventilated lid, excelsior wool and culture mix. It will come with 100 adult flys that will already be laying new generations upon arrival. For best practices, do not use flys until 5 days after first generation hatches to ensure new generation. These cultures will last you several weeks. Shipped with USPS First Class
... more

Golden Hydei flies (Drosophila hydei) Culture! Made To Order

Genoa, Ohio, 434**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$12

This is a listing for one Golden Hydei fruit flies (Drosophila hydei) Culture. They are made to order so you will need to give them a little time to be fed out of.
We use cinnamon to keep smell down, our cultures have little smell! We also use filter floss as a cling on substrate with great success!
Live Arrival Guarentee within 1 hour of delivery. (Shortened due to winter conditions )  You must message within an hour of delivery to cover any DOA, this is non-negotiable due to it ... more

TC INSECTS Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Fly Culture 32oz Live Feeder Insects

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

$8

Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Flies
These Wingless Melanogaster Fruit Flies are extremely prolific and make an excellent feeder for small reptiles, amphibians, dart frogs, slings, and other tiny insect-eating pets. Their small size and reliable production make them a favorite for keepers who need a steady supply of easy-to-use feeders
Each culture is grown in a 32oz cup with our Super Swarm Media, a premium blend packed with high-quality ingredients to support strong production and healthy ... more

Fruit Fly Media Culture Mix 2 5 Lbs

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

The Nutrifly Fruit Fly Media Culture Mix is a 2 5 lb bag of blended fruit fly cultures designed for use in reptile and pet supplies. This product provides a convenient way to create a nutrient-rich environment for fruit flies, which can be beneficial for pets. The mix is easy to use and helps to support the growth and sustainability of a fruit fly colony for various purposes
This media will last up to 25 cultures... more