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:
- The female fly stings fruit to lay her eggs inside.
- The eggs mature into maggots which feed on the fruit from the inside, making it turn rotten.
- As the infected fruit falls to ground, the maggots jump out of the fruit and bury themselves underground.
- The maggots turn into pupae.
- Immature flies emerge from the soil, leaving their pupal shell behind.
- Flies mature and breed, completing the life cycle.
Species of fruit fly
There are hundreds of species of fruit fly in Australia, and several of these pose an economic concern.
In recent years, South Australia has been managing incursions of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) and Mediterranean fruit fly (Med-fly). Both species are not established in the state, and they have potential to affect our fruit fly status.
The native Queensland fruit fly is established in the eastern states, and the Northern Territory.
Adults are 6 to 8 mm long, wasp-like, and red-brown in colour with yellow marks.
Larvae can grow from 7 to 10 mm when mature and are creamy-white in colour.
Mediterranean fruit fly is an introduced species and established in parts of Western Australia.
Adults are 3 to 5 mm long and light brown, with the abdomen encircled by 2 pale rings. They have mottled wings and the eyes are iridescent.
Larvae grow to about 8 mm long and are white in colour.
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