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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First in Fly : Drosophila Research and Biological Discovery, Hardcover by Moh

Jessup, Maryland, 207**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$44

First in Fly : Drosophila Research and Biological Discovery, Hardcover by Mohr, Stephanie Elizabeth, ISBN 0674971019, ISBN-13 9780674971011, Brand New, Free shipping in the US
A single species of fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been the subject of scientific research for more than one hundred years. Why does this tiny insect merit such intense scrutiny? Drosophila's importance as a research organism began with its short lifecycle, ability to reproduce in large numbers, and easy-to-see ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture 32oz Live Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Live Insects

Middletown, Pennsylvania, 170**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$19

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

"Golden" Drosophila melanogaster (Flightless Fruit Flies Culture) - LIVE INSECTS

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

$30

??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
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FRUIT FLY: "Golden" Drosophila melanogaster (flightless)
SIZE: 1 / 16?? inches (smaller than hydie fruit flies)
COUNT: 50+ (will produce prolifically)
(BASIC INFO)
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LIVE FOOD SOURCE FOR: Dart Frogs, Jumping Spiders, Praying
Mantis, Mantids, Morning ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly 2 PACK cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Crazy Frog Lady

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

$22

This 2 pack of Flightless Fruit Fly cultures is the perfect addition to any reptile or dart frog owner's collection. These cultures provide a nutritious and tasty food source for your pets without the hassle of dealing with live insects. The flies are easy to maintain and will last for several weeks, ensuring that your pets are well-fed and healthy.
Whether you're a seasoned reptile owner or a new dart frog enthusiast, these Flightless Fruit Fly cultures are sure to be a hit with your pets.... more

Fruit Fly Media Culture Kit (MAKES 6 CULTURES) choice of flies included!

Escondido, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$27

This is a complete media kit, pre measured so you just dump the media, add hot water, stir and go. All you need is the flies, which I have in another auction but can be added here as well (at a lower price). This kit will make 6 cultures
6 bags of media (pre-measured)6 32oz deli cups6 32 oz vented lids (insect proof)6 portions of Excelsior (better than coffee filters)6 labels for cups so you can keep track of date media was made
Directions:
Empty one packet of media into a 32oz cupadd ... more