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The name '''fruit flies''' can apply to any fly of the family ''Tephritidae''. More commonly, however, it refers to the common fruit fly, ''Drosophila melanogaster''. As well as being a common pest, the fruit fly is known for its extensive use in experiments and studies of [[genetics]].

[[Image:Female_Mexican_fruit_fly.jpg|thumb|200px|Female Mexican fruit fly]]The name '''fruit flies''' can apply to any fly of the family ''Tephritidae''. More commonly, however, it refers to the common fruit fly, ''Drosophila melanogaster''. As well as being a common pest, the fruit fly is known for its extensive use in experiments and studies of [[genetics]].

Fruit flies tend to be drawn to any sources of rotten or fermenting food. They reproduce by laying eggs (up to 500) among organic waste. The larvae, [[maggot|maggots]], will then hatch and feed. The lifecycle from egg to adult can be completed in about a week.

Fruit flies tend to be drawn to any sources of rotten or fermenting food. They reproduce by laying eggs (up to 500) among organic waste. The larvae, [[maggot|maggots]], will then hatch and feed. The lifecycle from egg to adult can be completed in about a week.