D. Melanogaster Dwarf Fruit Flies | Live Feeder Culture for Slings & Small Inverts

D. Melanogaster Dwarf Fruit Flies | Live Feeder Culture

The essential feeder for the smallest members of your collection. Drosophila melanogaster — the "dwarf" fruit fly — is the go-to live food for spiderlings (slings), tiny mantis nymphs, and other small invertebrates that are too small to take larger prey.

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. Melanogaster?

• Perfect Size for Slings: At just 1–2mm, these tiny flies are the ideal first prey item for i1–i3 spiderlings and newly hatched mantis nymphs.
• Flightless: D. melanogaster are flightless, 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, these flies provide excellent nutrition for growing slings.

Product Specifications

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between D. melanogaster and D. hydei?
D. melanogaster are the smaller of the two species at 1–2mm, making them ideal for the tiniest slings (i1–i3). D. hydei are larger at 3–4mm and suit slightly older slings (i3–i5). Both are flightless and easy to manage.

Are these flies flightless?
Yes — D. melanogaster 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 sling?
Simply tap the pot gently to knock flies down, then use the sponge lid to allow a small number to crawl into your enclosure. Alternatively, use a fine paintbrush to transfer individual flies for very small slings.

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.