Fruit flies are small, winged insects belonging to the family Drosophilidae. They are commonly found near ripening or fermenting fruits and vegetables, as well as in moist, organic materials like garbage or compost. Fruit flies are known for their fast reproduction rates, with a single female capable of laying hundreds of eggs in her short lifespan of around 40-50 days.

Due to their quick life cycle and easily observable genetic traits, fruit flies have been widely used as model organisms in genetic research, helping scientists better understand inheritance patterns, gene regulation, and even human diseases.