Fruit Flies (D. hydei) Flighless Culture - Freshly Started

Our Drosophila hydei cultures are the ideal choice for keepers who need a more substantial meal for their animals. Growing to approximately 1/8"—roughly double the size of the melanogaster—these flies provide more protein and calories per feeding.

Why Choose D. hydei?

Substantial Size: Perfect for larger dart frogs, young chameleons, small geckos, and larger invertebrates.

Flightless Genetics: While they have wings, these flies lack the muscles to use them. They stay in the enclosure where your pets can find them.

Extended Production: While they take longer to start (compared to Melanogaster), a healthy hydei culture often produces for a longer period than smaller species.

Easy to Track: Their larger size makes it easier for you to monitor feeding habits and for your pets to hunt.

 Important: This is a FRESH Culture

To provide you with the maximum possible yield, these cultures are just started (freshly seeded).

The "Hydei Wait": D. hydei have a longer life cycle than smaller flies. It typically takes 10–21 days for this culture to begin producing new flies.

Seed Flies: You may see dead adult flies upon arrival. These are the original "seed" flies and their death is a normal part of the process. Your culture is successful when you see larvae (maggots) tunneling through the media.

Temperature Sensitivity: * Optimal Range: 75–78°F.

Note: Hydei are more sensitive to heat than other species. Keep them under 80°F to prevent the culture from "crashing" or losing its flightless trait.

Pro-Tips for Success

Because D. hydei take longer to develop, maintaining humidity is key. Keep your cultures in a spot with stable temperatures and avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the media before the first generation hatches.

Key Differences at a Glance