Complete Guide to Fruit Fly Breeding: Easy, Fast, and Effective

Demonstration photo, there is a huge overpopulation here.

Drosophila flies , often called fruit flies , are essential prey for many farmed insects such as praying mantises , and even some small reptiles. Their short life cycle , ease of breeding , and nutritional value make them an essential resource for enthusiasts. Here is a simple and optimized guide to raising your own fruit flies at home.

🏠 1. Equipment Needed to Breed Fruit Fly

• A transparent container with a ventilated lid (such as a plastic box or glass jar).
• A suitable substrate: fruit puree, brewer's yeast, agar-agar, brown sugar.
• A piece of absorbent paper or cotton wool to give the flies a surface.
• Some starter fruit flies (purchased or collected).

Tip: Use a thin fabric or mosquito net to prevent escapes.

🌡️ 2. Ideal Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: 22-25°C
• Humidity: 50-70%

Maintain a stable temperature to ensure rapid reproduction. Excessive humidity promotes mold growth, while too low humidity will dry out the substrate.

🍎 3. Preparation of the Culture Medium

1. Mix 200 ml of warm water , pâté (or brown sugar and brewer's yeast), and a teaspoon of honey. The honey is optional but helps control bacterial growth.
2. Let it cool until it has a semi-liquid consistency.
3. Add the substrate to the bottom of the container.

🐞 4. Introduction of Drosophila

Add a few adult fruit flies to the container. Drosophila melanogaster (small) or Drosophila hydei (larger) are the most common species.

Females will quickly lay their eggs on the substrate, and the larvae will feed on the mixture until they transform into adults.

🔄 5. Life Cycle of Drosophila

• Egg → Larva: 1 to 2 days
• Larva → Nymph: 4 to 6 days
• Nymph → Adult: 3 to 5 days
• Total duration: 10 to 14 days depending on temperature

Once adults, the flies will emerge and the cycle will begin again.

🧹 6. Culture Maintenance

• Avoid excess humidity to prevent mold.
• Replace the substrate every 3 to 4 weeks .
• Collect adult fruit flies regularly to feed your insects.

⚠️ 7. Mistakes to Avoid

• Substrate too wet: Risk of mold.
• Temperature too low: Slows down the reproduction cycle.
• Overpopulation: Reduce the number of adults to avoid stress.

📊 Fruit Fly Breeding Summary Sheet

• Temperature: 22-25°C
• Humidity: 50-70%
• Food: Substrate based on fruit puree and yeast
• Reproductive cycle: 7-14 days
• Common species: Drosophila melanogaster , Drosophila hydei

🚀 Ready to Raise Your Own Fruit Flies?

Raising fruit flies is a simple and rewarding endeavor. By following these steps, you'll have a constant source of live food for your insects and reptiles.

With this guide, your insects will never go hungry!