Fruit Flies in the Dark...

[Meehan6587]

I just got my fruit flies and have made three different cultures. This is my first experience in culturing fruit flies so i need some input. It seems that the only place i can keep them for the time being is in my room. During the summer my room temperature fluctuates depending on the air conditioner. My solution to the problem would be to place the containers in a cabi temperature will not fluctuate as much. problem would be to put my cultures in a cabinet under my reef tank where the temperatures wont go up and down as much. My question is: Can I successfully culture fruit flies in the pitch dark?

[Marty71]

Don't think they care. I keep mine in a sterilite slide drawer that gets minimal light, and I know many people keep them in cabinets. Think temp is far more important than light.

Nice to see a fellow Pats fan out there, good luck.

[kyle1745]

I keep mine in a closed cabinet and have for years. Some claim better results keeping them in the dark all of the time.

[nitsuj]

I also keep mine in a closed cabnet, I have good results...

Justin

[sbreland]

Originally Posted by kyle1745

Some claim better results keeping them in the dark all of the time.

Some also claim a 12 hr photo period works better... both work with no ill effects, it's just trying what works best for you.

[brettlt]

I keep mine in a pitch black (temperature controlled,) drawer of my dresser. 1 culture a week produces more than enough flies for 4 Leucs.

[EDs Fly Meat]

Some also claim a 12 hr photo period works better... both work with no ill effects, it's just trying what works best for you

I couldn't have siad this better myself, but we do the 12 on 12 off, as do genetic labs all over the country (well the good ones anyways). Fruit flies DO have a 24 hour circadian rhythm.