Science Fair Project: Fruit Fly Life Cycle

Fruit flies are not only pests but they are also incredibly helpful in scientific research because the reporduce so quickly. For this project, you will start by observing the fruit fly life cycle. Then you will follow the scientific method to test how temperature affects fly development during their life cycle.

For this project, you will observe fruit flies and their life cycle (Phase One). You will find the fruit fly has a very short life cycle and life span. In fact, these creatures are a favorite animal for scientists to study as it is easy to manage a large quantity of fruit flies because they are small in size, and they quickly reproduce, which allows more experimentation.

After the observational period, you will follow the scientific method to test how temperature effects fly development during their life cycle (Phase Two).

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, suggested for grades 4-8.

Time Required: Two weeks to one month, longer if you choose.

Safety: Because they can carry disease and germs, some fruit flies can on rare occasions make people sick. You should always wash your hands after each observation of the flies.Fruit flies mature and reproduce quickly and in large numbers. Pay attention to this symbol as some steps should be done outdoors to avoid a fruit fly infestation in your house!

Time of Year: Try spring, summer or fall for easier collection of flies.

Material Availability: Most materials are readily available in your home or grocery store. The fruit flies can be found in your yard hovering near ripening or rotten fruit, fruit that has fallen off a fruit tree onto the ground, and compost piles. You can also order fruit flies from a biological supply or exotic pet food supply companies. These are called, Drosophila melanogaster.

Download the Fruit Fly Life Cycle Science Fair Kit (363k PDF document - Download the Fruit Fly Life Cycle Poster (300k PDF document -