I put fruit flies in a jar for a year

This video shows the development of the closed ecosystem in a jar containing fruit flies during a year, depicting various events including plant growth, the emergence of springtails, mites and rotifers and much more!
Enjoy!
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[@DragonBreath7575]

I often have fruit fly problems in my home. I make those little plastic bottle traps with apple cider vinegar to get rid of them. But sometimes they get trapped in there and breed. So my little traps end up becoming ecospheres if I leave them too long.

[@Creaform003]

put a few drops of dishsoap into the applecider, it will kill the flies on contact.

[@diggoran]

@@Creaform003 The dish soap breaks the surface tension on the water, so the flies can’t sit on top. They fall in and drown. That’s why they look like they die on contact.

[@Creaform003]

@@diggoran With the low surface tension the liquid flows straight into their spiracles drowning them pretty much instantly. I prefer it because anticholinesterase in fly spray kill pretty slow.

[@diggoran]

@@Creaform003 huh, interesting that the low surface tension results in them drowning in two ways, just in case one way wasn’t enough!

[@Inanedata]

Diatomaceous earth can be a huge help if you've got indoor potted friends.

[@derpythecate6842]

I like how self cleaning the jar is, the glass walls started a mess of algae, fly bodies and the dead coffee leaves, and then was eaten by the springtails and decomposed by other organisms in the jar.

[@religionisapoison2413]

Could probably add a few slugs

[@FriendlyKat]

This is the best example of "Life finds a way." I learned something new about fruit flies though. Didn't know the size of them depended on temperature. That's pretty neat. When it looked like the entire thing would die... it sprung to life! Not shocked about the fruit flies though, I think they need rotting fruit to really thrive. "And now they're all dead. And on that positive note..." I love your humor. lol

[@Gay_Priest]

My takeaway is the bloodleaf plant is stupidly easy to care for if you can just stick it in a jar and let it vibe, so I might try growing one after some research, plus they look really neat

[@tarkitarker0815]

@@Gay_Priest nah, the closed jar is a eco system itself not perfect but near perfect, without the nutrition for the fruit flies the whole thing would prob have gone downhill.

[@Gay_Priest]

@@tarkitarker0815 hyperbole

[@superkvtre9329]

life finds a jar 😌

[@Icetea-2000]

Yeah so it’s interesting how fruit flies and other small insects probably, can just adapt to the temperature of their environment to such a radical degree that they change their size this much. It makes sense, a larger size means a bigger surface area but a proportionally way bigger internal volume of an object. Which is better for keeping heat in. When it’s already hot anyway, they can prioritize on being as small as possible since they aren’t predators

[@CYDeviant]

Perhaps you could set up multiple versions of the same jar. It would be interesting to see how they might differ over time.

[@helldronez]

nice idea

[@raviprakashpatel4236]

Yeah!!

[@3nthamornin]

great idea

[@appelsapman434]

Lovely idea.

[@bhuggins6059]

Easy evolution scince the breeding rates of flys too! Great idea

[@SirMrProfessor]

This was definitely one I’ve been eager to see, sad the fruit flies didn’t last longer but neat to see the plants wilt and eventually power through!

[@MoonDisast]

There's a life lesson here, i can just feel it

[@BlaBla-pf8mf]

@@MoonDisast Plants are more resilient than animals?

[@Psychol-Snooper]

It gives one hope that after we cook ourselves to death the planet will go right on living without us.

[@notakiller575]

Why would you want fruit fly to live for a long time they are annoying

[@Psychol-Snooper]

@@notakiller575 Are you a fruit fly?

[@iTrapa]

I love the fact that your coffee plant thrived in such environment for a year. While mine dies after a month of watering and caring XD

[@NoahFense69]

Who said he stopped tending to his plant ? 😢😂🎉 there's a lot of plants in the jungle and if you wanted a big booty latina named mami seata she's in brazil with the cheese check the Brit first before you gaze the star when the toilet shakes jump a fart to zip it up and ship it if there's anymore to sell go at all costs the sea is rising so drink a mop water bucket out of the mcdonalds fountain

[@j.r.8176]

​@@NoahFense69 Good comment 👍

[@KOmyself]

@@NoahFense69the fuck are you on abt🤣

[@hadronic]

​@@NoahFense69concerning

[@aliceyagami8260]

the process of adaptation of these plants was incredible. at first I thought the jar would only have dead leaves and fungus. but I was surprised to see how life found a way even stuck in a jar

[@zagaberoo]

I wonder if the plants were starved of CO2 initially and then bounced back as the animal population grew and made a steady stream available.

[@renegranit240]

"life even in a jar" the scale for life has such a huge variety. for microorganisms little bugs are insanely huge then for mammals the same applies again. You could even make an experiment where you simulate the history of earth itself and how the development went from chemical to biological if we had the time and thousands of lifetimes.

[@renegranit240]

You would basically be a god for the little world you govern.... maybe govern is the wrong word the only thing you do is setting the starting perimeters. I imagine this is what immortals or higher beings would do for boredom. Atleast i would if i neither would have a sense for time or a lifespan.

[@GregorianMG]

@@renegranit240 Observe will be more suitable for this.

[@teijaflink2226]

Beautiful how life finds a way, I thought they where all going to die.

[@Emily-ck9ji]

Happy to see you return to uploading. Soon as I saw the notification, I clicked. I hope everything is going well for you. It's great to hear the community was very supportive.

[@davidonfim2381]

Pretty sure that the "rotifers" are a type of copepod. The copepods you usually see are Cyclops, and they live in large bodies of water, but there are lots of other species of copepods. Some of them live in wet soil. Without competition from the typically-aquatic copepods like Cyclops, the soil copepods probably made their way out of the pot and into the water in the jar.

[@Sticks_And_Glue]

Fascinating

[@ChiseledDiamond]

Could they be stentor caruleus?

[@madworld.]

@@ChiseledDiamond stentor don't swim like that no ? they seem to have their feet fixed on substrat , maybe I'm wrong ?

[@davidonfim2381]

@@ChiseledDiamond Stentors in general would either be attached or free-swimming. The free-swimming ones would be in the water column and they'd be moving in a very smooth fashion, not jumpy like these and not next to the glass. S. coeruleus in particular would be a blueish color (that's what "coeruleus" means), not white.

[@geoffreyhhill]

While in grade school, I bred fruit flies in jars with air holes poked through the lid. I was so intrigued by the mutations and evolution happening right in front of me. I even looked at them under a microscope to study the dominant and recessive genes. It was a really cool experience

[@tpmann7166]

I'd be curious to see one of these jars with a little sensor package in it, both to see the readings of different atmospheric conditions and to see if the sensors survive

[@cosmosyn2514]

Would be cool to use magnetic charging for it

[@gatitosanchez7788]

i'm convinced that this guy is one day gonna create life in a jar maybe even a new species

[@suuriteatteri]

... ахахах.. я уверена, что так и будет)))

[@tamarrajames3590]

I have missed you, and I hope you are doing well. I always enjoy the way your jars show us that life will find a way. The constant evolution of species within a closed ecosystem reminds me of our World. Life is both fragile and insistent. Your pleasure at the appearance of a new life form in one of your jars is shared by your faithful Jarmy, and your inquisitive mind always makes me think. Thank you.🖤🇨🇦

[@edand69others65]

Thanks to you i made a jar too about a year ago. Its a freshwater ecosystem from a pond in groningen. I caught a water scorpion, but it died after maybe a month. The plants survived for about 4 months, then the algae, detritus worms and snails took over. For a long time no plants were growing until the start of this summer. The algae reduced and made space for these pine-like plants. It produces a lot oxigen judging by the bubbles coming from the algae and plants. It's a very interesting hobby.

[@heykerryann]

Patience is a virtue, one I do not possess so thank you once again, for doing these “learning jars” that I could never. I hope you are growing like those plants after a little down time 🤗🤗✌️

[@lichenlad2887]

Idea: at the end you got me thinking. What if you took a pot and filled it with native plants and animals and surrounded the pot with pond water, creating and “island ecosphere” with both a terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem in a jar. This idea seems so cool I may have to try it for myself!

[@Supermoneygang12]

Why don’t you just do it yourself…

[@skullfuctart8676]

The springtails are so cute!! I had no idea they came in the shape of round!!

[@briarbrown4377]

orb

[@sniperblast]

Something for future projects, try adding a mini magnetic aquarium cleaner inside the ecosystem. You could wipe the algae from a small portion of the glass, giving a clean "window" to view to the plants inside.

[@VirulentGun]

Good idea

[@fernandoalbertobitarslim281]

Great video, not exactly for the flies, but to hear from you again, I hope youre in better times now... Cheers my "jarman"... 👍👍👍

[@cryingwolf511]

I loved how you said "those spring tailed babies" around 9:32 xD

[@hazardousteam2899]

Man your videos and narration are very calming and help me relax at night. As a biology student, I also appreciate all the little bits of information you add to these videos. I admire you, as I too wish I had the patience to develop this hobby. Greetings from Costa Rica :)

[@AlevEjderhasi]

So glad that two plants at the start stayed alive, they seemed like they were dying in the middle of the video💪🌱

[@mallard3084]

It's really cool whenever those new species pop up and form an ecosystem, just goes to prove that life always finds a way!

[@allthumbs3792]

Fascinating! Interesting that the one organism you added is no longer viable but so many more came from the presence of the soil. Glad to see you posting again!

[@uncertaindaisy]

so happy to see you back! hope you are feeling a lot better and it is so lovely to see your jars back in action!

[@ratlegttv]

thanks for the update!!!! i love watching those little rotifers wiggle around. your videos are always so relaxing and so informative, thanks for doing what you do 🥰

[@angelasharma500]

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. The way you present the worlds you create is magical.

[@waderich9904]

Thank you for producing your content, it’s always full of surprises and great information! I’ve started a pond and a river ecosphere after watching you and a few other similar channels. I’m excited to see how they change over time.

[@adamanti]

What a wonderful surprise this morning to be able to enjoy a new Jars video. Thank you for investing your time to create these. ❤

[@jennmacha]

Thanks for another great video. I'm always sad when they come to an end. I could watch them for hours. The Springtails are adorable.

[@Kilthan2050]

Glad to see you back and I hope life is treating you well. Your videos are always a joy to watch. Thanks for everything!

[@TheBlueDash]

Glad to see a new upload! Your content is one of the most unique on KZbin and your passion for these ecosystems are clear to see.

[@tracybowling1156]

Hi!!! I've missed you! Even though these videos are super interesting, your sense of humor is what makes your channel excellent! ☺️

[@abigails5850]

Your videos always make me so happy! Glad to have you back!

[@eternalfizzer]

Fascinating! Thank you for sharing all the stages of development. You taught me a lot!

[@Fallen0203]

Man, these videos are always really fascinating to watch! Always happy to see you upload :D

[@artscrafts4685]

I found your channel a day or so ago and now there’s new video, yay! Thank you for everything you do, these videos are amazing to watch and so informative!

[@wdfinbllngsly]

So happy to see your video up on my feed! Always looking forward to the next one.

[@felipecastro4714]

im glad you are back! both your videos and descreptions are amazing! hope to keep getting more of your videos soon.

[@rebeccaolinn3138]

Thank you for posting again! This was fascinating!

[@aubryellaotero1064]

Dude I love this channel so much, please never stop doing what you do

[@jerrytugable]

Great to see you back! Take care of yourself and stay well, there are 1000's of us thinking of you and praying.

[@ilivetoflyxD]

I have dabbled in breeding fruit flies, I wasnt expecting them to last too many generations as mites become a serious issue after a few cycles you end up with too many mites per fruit fly as the just abandon dead ones and move over to new ones. You cant really get rid of them either as they are almost always paired with them

[@McMoofly]

Awesome to see a new video from you. Glad you could do it! You got this!

[@jhvorlicky]

Thank you! Please keep doing this, it's absolutely fascinating. Life always finds a way ☺️

[@valentinnikolov6882]

I am really happy that you are back and good in spirit! I wish you all the best! I expect an update on your aquatic succession project.

[@rddvls]

Glad to see you back uploading again. Love ya work!

[@sebanab1]

Lovely films, i enjoy the style, the dedication to your work, and the overall mood of these films. Thank you :)

[@babyman9852]

Always come back to this channel randomly to binge. Love the content. You're doing 5 year old me's dream as a youtube channel lol. I used to put a bunch of bugs and grass and stuff in tins and see if they eat it, but they usually just died. Great stuff, man

[@Kairos_Akuma]

Hooray you're back! \o/ Thank you so much for letting us see and learn from your Jars!

[@Sadonyx]

Welcome back! Thanks for your work :)

[@Someone-nu9bd]

I just saw a video of yours on my recommended and decided after watching it I’d check out a couple others, I gotta say I like it! I’ve always thought of how I could do something like this myself and you’ve shown what it’s like, it looks really interesting! Thanks for the video.

[@CYB3Rsynth]

Great to your posting again man. Hope your doing better! We all love the hell out of you and wish you all the best. Cheers mate

[@Taqterra]

Thanks for uploading, I was inspired by your projects and have 2 closed terraria myself

[@rosebarlow3321]

This is such a cool video man your knowledge is incredibly impressive, glad your doing better :)

[@johnnygalaxy9022]

Life always gets better when you get a notification of a new "Life in Jars" video! 🤩

[@bradcondon6632]

Always look forward to your videos, they never disappoint

[@drunk_puppy8678]

So glad that youre back, and that whatever you were going through gets better!

[@claire5244]

so excited to see a new upload!! glad you're doing better :D

[@MendicinoB]

I was delighted to see a new vid of yours come across my home page! Great work.

[@jeremylee8844]

Great to see you back. Hope you are well and hope you are able to get back to the videos. You are an amazing young man and I wish you the very best.

[@riverbender9898]

Great to see another new post on your fascinating website. Thank You.

[@samfroggeh]

Welcome back! I hope everything is well for you! Thank you for the video :D

[@jenb6412]

That's so awesome! I have a nearly 4 year old sealed terrarium jar that I'm going to do an update on in September. Life in jars is super cool and inspiring :D

[@sobrietyliiving]

Great to have you back! Much love from Canada!

[@frin4053]

I'm very glad to see new videos from you. I was inspired to make two closed ecosystems because of watching your projects. Good luck man :)

[@GushOnline]

I always get inspired by your videos. It’s amazing to see how things evolve. I hope things are getting better for you. Take your time and take care of yourself. 💕

[@venzie1200]

So happy to see your new video! Glad you’re doing well

[@KainenMiffy]

Love the vids mate, great to have you back uploading.

[@ellenm4560]

Great to see you back and with such an interesting ecosystem. Shame the fruit flies didn't last longer but all those other inhabitants are cool

[@nou3312]

This channel is great! WOW I never knew that jars could be so interesting. Anyway keep up the good work and I hope to see the next video

[@Lea-is-sleeping]

Your voice is so soothing! This was informative, interesting and relaxing, a really nice change of pace from some yt videos I get recommended. Thanks algorithm for sending me here! 🙂

[@kmblc3]

Oh yay! So glad to see you back on YT😃

[@Shmooexe3440]

So glad to see you are back uploading your amazing content as always. Your videos never seem to not put a smile on my face. Keep up the amazing work I hope you are doing well too

[@drkipper]

So happy to see you uploading!

[@KakiT1]

This is my absolute favourite of all your jars!

[@tayloryoung9661]

Great stuff, as always. It's good to see you back.

[@TallulahBelle3276]

This is fascinating! I’m definitely subbed now. Amazing content. Thank you! 👍🏽💯💝

[@vulplion]

I'm always impressed by your content, I hope you enjoyed making this video as much as I did watching it.

[@tiffanytate9079]

Oh new upload, great to hear you!!!! Hugs! I LOVE THIS VIDEO

[@janpack1569]

So glad to see a video pop up. I hope your obstacles in life are becoming fewer and farther between. May the wind always be at your back.

[@aqyr2402]

maybe adding a magnetic window cleaner, like in fish tanks, to the jars will help create a small window for filming for each update recording session! This will allow for better viewing but keeps the jar contained! ps Glad you’re back and I hope you’re feeling happier man :) Thanks for putting in the effort for us.

[@PhonePhone-sf8te]

was thinking about this same exact thing before i scrolled down to see the comments. I believe it would become covered in algae or slime by the time you would need to use it on the glass's walls, and probably just spread more haze around than clean anything. It might not and work fine though.

[@penny1672]

this is a really amazing video, i'll be eagerly waiting on the next update !!

[@mylillam]

So glad to see you post again

[@MutantHippieGaming]

So glad to see you're back! I hope you've been well!

[@itsmeandthensome]

Welcome back! I love your videos.

[@heather5780]

Fascinating! thank you so much for sharing

[@Bogwedgle]

I've really missed your videos. I find this sort of stuff so fascinating and you're really easy to listen to

[@jakeisom]

Long awaited! Fully delivered!

[@tichu7]

I really enjoy you thinking through various plausible theories for what could be going on with the rise and fall of the various organisms.

[@Froggsroxx]

I have notifications on for your channel because you may not upload often, but it's always interesting :)

[@mhxistenz]

I was just thinking about you yesterday! Glad to hear from you. ❤️

[@notgood2048]

I like your dedication Keep it up man u deserve million of views

[@justinsander7654]

For the closed ecosystems you could use some rare earth magnets and a piece of rubber or felt to make a scrubber that can be used magnetically to clear the viewing surface with out opening the jar.

[@masmurdermonkey9233]

Good to see another upload, hope things are going better!

[@Ranger_Rudy]

onze held is weer terug hoor !!! altijd fascinerend om te zien hoe ecosystemen tot ontwikkeling kunnen komen in een afgesloten ruimte.

[@barkingmad50]

We had a small water leak last summer that we weren't aware of. Because of it, we also ended up fighting a mold bloom. In addition to the leak & the mold, we had a huge fruit fly infestations - in the basement. (?!) Which is how I learned fruit flies love mold. So, i wonder, if you added some mold to the jar set-up, would the mold grow? And if it grows, would it support a fruit fly population? Or would the mold kill the plants? -- The 'butterfly effect' is certainly a factor in a small, closed habitat! Glad you are back & hope things are going well. And as always, thank you.

[@Hope_IsNotMyName]

Those probably weren't fruit flies, but fungus gnats. Fungus gnats feed on mold, mildew, and other types of fungi. I have had quite a few of them feed on mildew from decaying soil or leaves from houseplants. Fruit flies need something sugary to eat, like fruit or soda.

[@barkingmad50]

@@Hope_IsNotMyName Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, these were probably fruit flies. I started looking into what fruit flies eat, other than stinky carbs. And different sources mentioned fruit flies like mold. - It still sounded suspicious, so I trapped some & took them to a friend who is an Entomologist. He said they were definitely fruit flies, & yep, they like mold. Now I wonder if your flies & my flies are the same species, but different subspecies. - All I know is I ended up learning more about fruit flies than I ever wanted to know. (And how difficult it is to completely get rid of mold!) Thanks, again. - M.A.D.

[@Hope_IsNotMyName]

@@barkingmad50 oh okay, I didn't realize that, thanks for the information.

[@Varenimo]

Thank you for this video! I bought a jar made for Terrariums and I put a layer of rocks at the bottom, then dirt, and then I put 2 baby mushrooms and moss and watered it. It looked amazing and It was all inspired by you!

[@sean16hall3]

I think this is my favorite simply for how different it looks than the rest. Great idea ❤

[@viofthecollective2031]

You should source enough dirt or water, for 5 or 6 closed ecospheres. Set the ecospheres up and then run an experiment comparing any potential differences. I think that could make a good series for this channel