New Queensland fruit fly outbreak – Murtho G. Check your address on the outbreak map.

Fruit fly biology

Find out more about the species of fruit fly, their life cycle and how to report any findings.

Fruit fly life cycle

Fruit flies spread through 6 stages, which can ruin host fruit and vegetables:

  1. The female fly stings fruit to lay her eggs inside.
  2. The eggs mature into maggots which feed on the fruit from the inside, making it turn rotten.
  3. As the infected fruit falls to ground, the maggots jump out of the fruit and bury themselves underground.
  4. The maggots turn into pupae.
  5. Immature flies emerge from the soil, leaving their pupal shell behind.
  6. Flies mature and breed, completing the life cycle.

Prevent fruit fly in your garden

Follow a few simple steps to protect your home-grown fruit and vegetables from fruit fly.

Find out more
Page Last Reviewed: 31 Jul 2025
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