Fruit flies part 6: Troubleshooting common problems

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

Fruit Fly Culture Flightless 3 Pack Lizard And Dart Frog Food Live

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

$28

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 accurately
Regular fruit flies should be kept at 70 - 75 degrees
The flies have ... view on ebay

Flightless Fruit Fly Cultures Freshly Started

Chardon, Ohio, 440**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$19

Shipping Options (Monday through Thursday)
Order must beentered by 12:00pm est to ship same day
Flightless fruit flies (Drosophila hydei) are about ???? and are a great feeder for small lizards, spiders, mantids and frogs. Each culture will arrive with at least 40-50 live fruit flies
These are producing cultures that are about 2 weeks old. They will continue producing new flies for another two to three weeks. These are flightless fruit flies, not wingless
ImportantInfo:
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Flightless Fruit Flys. For Small Reptiles, Amphibians, Or Invertebrates.

Chula Vista, California, 919**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$25

One fresh and one producing fruit fly culture
With your choice of melangaster(smaller) or hydei(larger) 32oz size... view on ebay

Fruit Fly Culture Live Feeder - Golden Hydei 32oz Reptile / Invertebrate / Frog

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

$15

? Golden Hydei Fruit Fly Culture
Live Fruit Fly Culture ?? Golden Hydei
Premium live fruit fly culture designed for consistent feeding performance for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
This culture produces high-output Golden Hydei fruit flies, ideal for medium-to-large insectivores and feeding programs requiring sustained availability
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? Product Includes:
* 1 × 32oz Live Fruit Fly Culture
* Species: Golden Hydei (D. hydei variant)
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?? Why This ... view on ebay

Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Melanogaster) FREE SHIPPING

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 009**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$40

Drosophila melanogaster Flightless fruit flies culture in a 32oz cup
Culture is made at the time of purchase to ensure freshness
We ship on Monday through Wednesday. Any order received from late Tuesday??through Sunday??will be ship on the following Monday
... view on ebay