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Fruit Fly Larvae

Like many other insects, fruit flies pass through egg, larva and pupa stages before emerging as sexually mature adults. Fertilized females lay their eggs in over-ripe fruit and other sources of soft, sweet, decaying matter. Depending on the species, this behavior can be detrimental or beneficial to the local environment. Some fruit flies continue to breed after laying eggs, while others die instantly. Each female typically produces hundreds of eggs. 

After fruit fly eggs hatch, larvae begin to feed on the decaying materials within which they were laid. Larvae consume as much food as possible in order to store energy and nutrients for the upcoming pupal stage. After feeding, larvae find cooler, dryer locations within which to pupate. Inside the pupal case, the larva changes to an adult. The cycle continues as adult males breed with females to propagate the species.

Fruit Fly Eggs

Life Span of Fruit Fly

Fruit Fly Metamorphosis

Fruit Fly Reproduction Rates Data

Fruit Fly Pupae