Fly eggs generally look like tiny grains of rice. They are white or pale yellow when first laid, about 1 to 1.2 millimeters long, and oval or cylindrical in shape
. These eggs are often laid in clusters and have a slightly sticky texture initially to help them adhere to surfaces such as decaying organic matter, animal feces, or food scraps
. As the eggs develop, they darken in color, turning reddish-brown or black within about 24 hours, and the developing larva (maggot) can sometimes be seen inside
. The larvae that hatch from these eggs are creamy white, cylindrical, and taper towards the head
. For fruit flies specifically, their eggs are smaller, about 0.5 mm long, yellowish under a microscope, and also shaped like grains of rice or banana- shaped in some species
. Fruit fly eggs are laid in or on fruit and decaying sugary materials. In summary:
- Size: Approximately 1–1.2 mm for house flies; about 0.5 mm for fruit flies
- Color: White or pale yellow when freshly laid, darkening to reddish-brown or black as they mature
- Shape: Oval or cylindrical, sometimes banana-shaped in fruit flies
- Texture: Slightly sticky when fresh to adhere to surfaces
- Arrangement: Laid in clusters on decaying organic matter or suitable substrates
This appearance helps flies ensure their larvae have immediate access to food upon hatching
