D. hydei Large Fruit Flies | Live Feeder Culture for Jumping Spider Slings

D. hydei Large Fruit Flies | Live Feeder Culture

The staple feeder for jumping spider slings and small invertebrates. Drosophila hydei — the "large" fruit fly — is the most widely used live food for i3–i5 spiderlings, small mantis nymphs, and other small predatory invertebrates. Larger than D. melanogaster, they provide a more substantial meal and a stronger prey response from growing slings.

Each culture pot comes pre-loaded with fly food and an established population of flies, giving you a continuous supply of feeders for weeks without any additional setup.

Why D. hydei?

• Ideal Size for Growing Slings: At 3–4mm, D. hydei are the perfect size for i3–i5 jumping spider slings and small mantis nymphs — large enough to trigger a strong hunting response, small enough to be safe prey.
• Flightless: D. hydei are a flightless strain, making them easy to control and preventing escapes into your home.
• Self-Sustaining Culture: The pot contains fly food that supports multiple generations, providing a steady supply of feeders over several weeks.
• Easy Feeding: The sponge in the lid allows you to tap flies directly into your enclosure without opening the pot fully — minimising escapes.
• Nutritious: Rich in protein and essential amino acids, D. hydei are an excellent nutritional staple for growing slings.

Product Specifications

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between D. hydei and D. melanogaster?
D. hydei are larger at 3–4mm and suit i3–i5 jumping spider slings. D. melanogaster are smaller at 1–2mm and are better for the tiniest i1–i3 slings. Both are flightless and easy to manage.

Are these flies flightless?
Yes — D. hydei are a flightless strain, so they cannot fly out of the enclosure or escape into your home. They are one of the safest and most manageable live feeders available.

How long does a culture last?
Each pot typically provides feeders for 3–6 weeks at room temperature, as the flies breed within the culture and produce new generations continuously.

How do I feed them to my jumping spider?
Tap the pot gently to knock flies down, then use the sponge lid to allow a small number to crawl into your enclosure. For very small slings, a fine paintbrush can be used to transfer individual flies safely.

When should I switch from D. hydei to Green Bottle flies?
We recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies at the i6/i7 stage, when your jumping spider is large enough to take on bigger, more stimulating prey. Green Bottles provide excellent aerial enrichment for sub-adult and adult spiders.

How should I store the culture?
Keep at room temperature (20–25°C) away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate — cold temperatures will kill the culture.