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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Cleveland, Georgia, 305**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$40
??PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING??
(WHAT YOU RECEIVE)
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Name: "Golden" Drosophila hydei Fruit Flies
Sizes: Flies, Larva & Eggs
Count: 50+ (will produce prolifically)
Sex: M / F
WITH EXTREME TEMPS THERE WILL ONLY BE
LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE WHEN UPGRADE TO
PRIORITY MAIL OR IN TEMPS BETWEEN 0 - 85F
COOL PACKS WILL BE ADDED IF NEEDED
(CULTURE ...
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Lyndhurst, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$13
Melanogaster Fresh Fruit Fly Cultures and they are an ideal food for Poison Dart Frogs, fish, Praying Mantids, young frogs and toads, and other reptiles, amphibians, or captive animals that require small foods....
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Wichita, Kansas, 672**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$12
32oz Flightless Fruit Fly Culture.
...
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Middletown, Pennsylvania, 170**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$7
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 ...
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Henderson, Nevada, 890**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$33
?? LOBO / MANTIS
D. Hydei Flightless Fruit Fly Culture
Drosophila hydei ยท 32oz Culture
This listing is for a single 32oz live Drosophila hydei fruit fly culture from Lobo Mantis. D. hydei are a popular live feeder insect for dart frogs, praying mantis nymphs, jumping spiders, small geckos, small lizards, amphibians, and other small insect-eating pets.
D. hydei are larger than D. melanogaster, making them a great option for keepers who need...
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