Big fruit fly “Big”

“Big” Fruit Fly —the XXL snack among fruit flies

Sometimes the regular fruit fly is just a little too small, while the next size up is already too big . The “Big” fruit fly fills that exact gap .

This is a selectively bred strain of Drosophila hydei that grows to be about 0.5 mm larger than the standard form. At first glance, this small difference may seem unremarkable. However, with a feed insect that is already very small, it makes a noticeable difference. These flies have slightly more body mass and are therefore ideal for terrarium animals that have already outgrown the smallest food sizes.

At the same time, the “Big” fruit fly remains unable to fly. This makes it easy to handle and feed to specific animals.

The right size—between too small and already too big

The required prey size changes rapidly, especially during the rearing phase. For example, small juveniles start out on Drosophila melanogaster. As they grow, however, they need larger prey.

The “Big” fruit fly represents an interesting intermediate stage here.

It is larger than smaller Drosophila species, yet still compact enough for many medium-sized larvae. This allows you to gradually adjust the food size to match the development of your larvae.

Of particular interest to jumping spiders

Jumping spiders react strongly to moving prey. That is why fruit flies are particularly useful for raising them.

The “Big” fruit fly actively moves around inside the container, making it easy to spot. At the same time, because it is slightly larger, it provides a more substantial meal than smaller fruit flies.

It can therefore be a suitable alternative, especially for jumping spiders that have outgrown very small Drosophila.

Also for mantises and other small hunters

It’s not just jumping spiders that benefit from the “Big” fruit fly.

Even mantises in advanced nymphal stages readily prey on active flies. In addition, this species is suitable for feeding various small reptiles and amphibians, provided the flies are the appropriate size for the respective animal.

This allows you to use the “Big” fruit fly in a variety of ways as live feed.

Unable to fly, and therefore especially practical

Despite its name, the “Big” fruit fly can’t fly away.

This makes daily feeding much easier for you. You can take the required amount from the breeding container and then pour it directly into the rearing container or terrarium.

Of course, the animals are still agile. That’s exactly what we want, because their movement is what makes them truly interesting to many terrarium enthusiasts.

Greater body mass than in the wild-type Drosophila hydei

The key difference from the classic form lies in its size. The “Big” fruit fly is about 0.5 mm longer than the standard form of Drosophila hydei.

This means your terrarium pet has a little more body mass to work with per live food item.

The larger version can therefore be especially useful for animals that would otherwise need a large number of smaller fruit flies.

Live prey for natural hunting behavior

Live food doesn’t just provide your animals with nourishment. It also allows them to express their natural hunting instincts.

The large fruit fly, “Big,” actively moves around the terrarium, thereby providing a strong prey stimulus. Jumping spiders can observe and chase the flies, while mantises react to the movement and specifically target their prey.

In this way, feeding combines food intake with mental stimulation.

Just keep growing them yourself

If you need fruit flies on a regular basis, you can also breed the “Big” fruit fly yourself.

For this, you’ll need a suitable rearing container, an appropriate nutrient medium, and enough space for them to move around. Wood shavings provide the flies with additional texture while also preventing all the insects from gathering directly on the rearing medium.

By planting crops at staggered times, you can further secure your food supply.

Easily Start New Cultures with Drosophila Instant Mix

Our Drosophila Instant Mix is ideal for breeding your own flies.

The prepared culture medium makes it easier for you to start new cultures. Next, add wood shavings and transfer some of your existing “Big” fruit flies to the new container.

This allows you to gradually expand your crop varieties from an existing planting.

Advantages at a glance

• A laboratory strain of Drosophila hydei
• About 0.5 mm larger than the standard shape
• Unable to fly
• Easy to Use
• Greater body mass than smaller fruit flies
• Ideal as an intermediate size for rearing
• Particularly suitable for jumping spiders
• Can also be used for mantises
• For suitable small reptiles and amphibians
• Active movements create a good prey stimulus
• Promotes natural hunting behavior
• You can breed your own
• Well suited for multiple staggered breeding cycles

The Right Accessories for Your Live Feed Animals

Drosophila Starter Kit – contains the basic equipment needed to set up your own fruit fly cultures and regularly raise fresh live food.

Drosophila Instant Mix – provides an easy-to-prepare culture medium for your own Drosophila breeding.

Drosophila Cup, 500 ml – suitable as a breeding container for your fruit flies and allows you to maintain multiple cultures at different stages.

Wood shavings —create additional walking surfaces in the breeding container and provide fruit flies with a structure above the nutrient medium.

MilbenEx for Drosophila hydei – helps you deal with problems caused by feed mites in your Drosophila hydei cultures.

Repto Cricket Shaker – makes it easier for you to measure out and feed the flightless fruit flies precisely, without having to pick them up one by one.

Conclusion

The “Big” fruit fly is an interesting evolution of the classic Drosophila hydei. With a body length about 0.5 mm longer, it offers a slightly larger prey size without making the big leap to a significantly larger feed insect.

This makes it particularly suitable for growing jumping spiders, mantises, and other small predators. At the same time, the breeding strain remains flightless and is therefore easy to feed to other animals.

If you need live food on a regular basis, you can also breed the “Big” fruit fly yourself. With a breeding cup, Drosophila Instant Mix, and wood shavings, you can easily set up your own cultures. This way, you’ll have a convenient food source on hand when the very small fruit flies are no longer enough.