(Drosophila ssp.)
Biology:
Dew or vinegar flies, also known as fruit flies, are small, 2-3 mm long yellow-brown flies with large, usually red eyes. They have a preference for fermenting, fermented or rotting plant substances, on which they also lay their eggs. They are mainly found on cut or spoiled fruit, rotting plant residues, fruit juices, wine, beer and milk. The maggots feed on the rotting substances, but also on the microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi) that occur there at the same time.
Damage:
Due to their preference for the foods described above, flies can be extremely annoying. They are often a problem in catering and fruit processing businesses in particular. But they can also be very unpleasant in the home, on fruit bowls or organic waste garbage cans. By alternating between food and breeding substrates, they can transmit microorganisms such as yeast fungi and vinegar bacteria, which decompose the food, as well as pathogens.
