Drosophila melanogaster is a species of
fly (the taxonomic order Diptera) in the family
Drosophilidae. The species is known generally as the
common fruit fly or
vinegar fly. Starting with
Charles W. Woodworth's proposal of the use of this species as a
model organism,
D. melanogaster continues to be widely used for biological research in studies of
genetics,
physiology, microbial
pathogenesis, and
life history evolution. It is typically used because it is an animal species that is easy to care for, has four pairs of
chromosomes, breeds quickly, and lays many eggs.
D. melanogaster is a common pest in homes, restaurants, and other occupied places where food is served.