The fruit fly, scientifically known as Drosophila melanogaster, is a small insect commonly found in homes and gardens. These flies are attracted to ripe and decaying fruits, where they lay their eggs. Adult fruit flies are typically about 1/8 inch long and have red eyes and a tan body. Fruit flies are important in scientific research, particularly in genetics and developmental biology. Their short life cycle and simple genetic structure make them ideal for studying inheritance patterns and mutations. Researchers have used fruit flies to gain insights into various biological processes, including human diseases.