fruit fly

A fruit fly is a small insect, typically about 1/8 inch long, belonging to the species Drosophila melanogaster. It is commonly attracted to rotting or fermented fruit, which serves as its primary food source and breeding site. These flies have a short life cycle—completing development from egg to adult in about a week under optimal conditions—and are widely used in scientific research, especially genetics, due to their rapid reproduction and well-understood biology. While generally harmless, they can become a nuisance in kitchens or food storage areas.