Fruit flies are small insects belonging to the family Drosophilidae. They are commonly found around overripe or rotting fruits, which is how they got their name. These flies are about 1/8 inch long and have a tan or yellowish body with red eyes. They are known for their rapid reproduction, with a single female capable of laying hundreds of eggs in a short time. In addition to being a nuisance in kitchens, fruit flies are important in scientific research. They are often used in genetics and developmental biology studies due to their short life cycle and simple genetic makeup. This makes them valuable for understanding fundamental biological processes.