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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Durham, NC, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$22
Xenia, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$15
What You??re Buying
Live, producing Black melanogaster flightless fruit fly culture. Cultures ship fresh and are ideal for reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and small insectivores
Why Black melanogaster
Black melanogaster are smaller than hydei and ideal for pets that need a slightly smaller feeder
Culture Notes
Cultures require 7??14 days after arrival to become fully productive. Plan feedings accordingly
Shipping & Handling
Shipped carefully with insulation when ...
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Middletown, Pennsylvania, 170**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$8
Hydei is a larger fruit fly at 3 mm in size. This makes them the ideal live food choice to feed to the larger species of Dart Frogs
Fruit flies are an excellent feeder for particularly small or hatchling reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates such as:
Anoles (juvenile)
Carpet chameleons (juvenile)
Dart frogs
Day geckos
Electric blue geckos
Jumping spiders
Mantises
Mourning geckos
Pygmy chameleons (juvenile)
Tarantulas (juveniles / slings)
Care ...
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Huntsville, Texas, 773**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$8
Turkish Gliders Fruit Flies
These will be fresh cultures! with Super Swarm Media!
These Turkish Gliders Fruit Flies are extremely prolific and make an excellent feeder insect for small reptiles, amphibians, baby arachnids, and other tiny insect-eating pets. Their smaller adult size makes them a great choice for young animals or species that need a more manageable feeder
Each culture is raised in a 32oz cup using our Super Swarm Media, a premium blend formulated to support strong ...
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Dover, Pennsylvania, 173**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$57
6 Pack of 2 different Cultures
Golden Fruit Flies x3
Hydei 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 as they are taken care of ...
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