Rearing Drosophila hydei – Large Fruit Flies

Rearing *Drosophila hydei* helps you maintain a steady supply of large fruit flies for young mantises and jumping spiders. The key is a clean setup, suitable food mash, and timely succession cultures. These flies may already be too large for very small juveniles.

Drosophila hydei at a Glance

Size	About 3–4 mm
Temperature	Typical breeding temperature: about 20–25 °C
Container	Ventilated, securely sealed breeding cup
Food	Suitable fruit fly food
Planning	Multiple planting rounds staggered over time instead of a single crop

We carry large fruit flies in various breeding forms. Choose based on the product description and the needs of your animals.

Start an experiment with Drosophila hydei

Use a clean container with a tightly sealed ventilation system. Prepare the feed mixture according to the instructions for the feed you are using. It should not be so runny that flies sink in it. Let a freshly mixed feed cool before adding the animals.

Untreated wood shavings provide the flies with a surface to walk on and, later, places for the larvae to pupate. They should be placed loosely. An overcrowded culture is difficult to manage and makes removal more difficult.

Start with a manageable number of healthy flies from a thriving culture. A batch of about 20–40 flies is a good place to start. Label the cup with the species and the date so you can compare their development.

Temperature and Development

Set up the culture in a well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight. At temperatures of about 20–25 °C, it often takes several weeks for the next generation to emerge. Drosophila hydei usually develops more slowly than the small fruit fly. Therefore, plan for several staggered cultures rather than a fixed hatching date.

Monitor the odor, consistency, and activity. A wet, heavily moldy, or noticeably foul-smelling culture should not simply be topped off with more flies. Use clean containers and a healthy starter culture for new cultures.

How to Safely Remove Fruit Flies

Gently tap the flies down, briefly open the container, and transfer a small amount to a separate collection cup. Then reseal the culture. Work over an open area so that any escaped insects are easier to spot.

Feed according to your pet’s size and appetite. A jumping spider or mantis does not need a fixed number of prey just because it is in the larval stage. Remove any excess flies if they are bothering the animal or if a molt is imminent. Reptile supplements should not automatically be added to the diet of invertebrates.

Should I breed Drosophila hydei or just keep them?

For occasional feedings, a store-bought, well-maintained culture is often sufficient. Breeding your own is more worthwhile if you have a regular need for it. Always keep a reserve culture before you completely feed out the last productive cup.

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Here you’ll find a selection from our store. Before purchasing, make sure the specific species’ needs are compatible with your terrarium.

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