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 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

Fruit Fly Cultures Live 6 pack ?? Melanogaster / Hydei ?? Dart Frog & Spider Food

Xenia, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$55

6 Pack Live Fruit Fly Cultures ?? Premium Feeder Flies
High-quality, long-lasting fruit fly cultures bred for consistent production and shelf life. Perfect for reptile keepers, dart frog hobbyists, jumping spider owners, and breeders
Unlike standard cultures that crash quickly, our cultures are designed to last longer and produce more, giving you better value and more feeding cycles
? What You Get:
(6) 32oz Fruit Fly CulturesChoose your species:D. melanogaster (smaller, faster ... more

32oz Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Reptile, Amphibian and insect Food)

Charleston, South Carolina, 294**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9

Our starter culture of flightless fruit flies are a perfect source of nutrition and protein, for many types of reptiles and snmall pets. Including praying, mantis, small lizards, spiders, frogs, amphibians and other insectivores
The culture contains live fruit flies that cannot fly, making them easier for your animals to catch
With this starter culture, you will be able to maintain a steady supply of fruit flies for weeks and months!... more

Fruit Fly Culture 2 Pack Live Hydei Melanogaster Feeder Insects Reptiles Inverts

Xenia, Ohio, 453**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$28

? LIVE FRUIT FLY CULTURE ?? 2 PACK (HYDEI & MELANOGASTER)
What You??re Buying
You are purchasing a 2-pack of live, actively producing fruit fly cultures, freshly prepared and shipped with care
Each order includes your selected combination of:
?? Golden Hydei
?? Black Hydei
?? Melanogaster
All cultures are professionally mixed with nutrient-rich media and designed for strong, consistent production
??
? Perfect For Feeding:
?? Dart frogs
?? Tree ... more

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Hydei)

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

$15

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Hydei). 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. Do not be alarmed if flies do not make it in transportation. They only live up to ... more