Trupanea nigricornis
This little Fruit Fly is one of many species of real "fruit flies" that get their name used by gardeners
actually fending off "Vinegar Flies" inside their kitchen. These live in fruit and seeds outside the
home. You older folks will remember the firtst Mediterranean fruit fly scare in the Florida fruit groves
years ago. Many of these flies have patterned wings. Check out this outstanding photo of a fruit fly on
Bugguide.net that immitates spiders with its wings for mating and protection. You can read more
about this behavior here. So, the next time you cuss out the Fruit Flies in your house, remember they
are most likely Vinegar Flies. © Carol Davis, 8-12-2008
On to Part II of Fruit Flies
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