Fruit Fly Cultures 101
D. melanogaster and D. hydei
Ever since I started keeping dart frogs I have been looking for a cheap way to produce cultures. I found a combination of homemade media and insect culturing cups. I must give credit where credit is due. The idea for lids is from Patrick Nabors and coffee filters and excelsior from Pete Merten.
My current media mix is as follows:
2 Cups of GFS Instant Potato Flakes (they look more like granules)
2 Tablespoons of Powder Sugar
2 Tablespoons of Brewer's Yeast (GNC or other health food store)
I use a ¼ cup of the above dry mixture to 2 cups of a 50/50 mixture of hot vinegar and water. Once mixed allow to cool to room temperature. The ¼ cup makes about 2 cultures. Left over mixed media can be frozen and reused. To support the flies be sure to add coffee filters and excelsior. The filters are folded into quarters and two are added to the culture. Excelsior is added between the filters.
Step 1
The Lid
I purchase my 32 ounce cups from a local GFS (Gordon Food Services). All you need to do is to carefully cut a hole in the lid similar to that pictured.
Step 2
Fly Proof Covering
You made a hole and you need to make a fly proof vent. The best product is paper towels. Fold in half length ways (hot dog fold). Then fold again to make square.
Step 3
Final Culture
Once you have the paper towel folded into a square, cut into two sections. You now have covers for two cultures. Do not go cheap and try a single layer, the flies get out on cheap towels! The final picture helps you see how the it all comes together. Once you are done add flies.
Email any Questions to: jason@poisonfrogs.net
