The life cycle of Drosophila melanogaster is short and exhibits holometabolous development, making it a vital model in genetics and developmental biology. At an optimal temperature, the entire cycle from fertilized egg to adult completes in 10–14 days. The cycle includes four distinct stages: embryo (egg), larva (comprising three instars), pupa, and adult. The brief generation time, distinct morphological transitions, and high reproductive output emphasize Drosophila’s utility as a powerful experimental organism. In this chapter, we will learn about rearing and maintaining Drosophila in the laboratory. Drosophila is a very easy organism to rear and maintain in the lab with minimal requirements. We will also see an overview of the life cycle stages with distinct characteristics of each stage. Short life cycle, high fecundity, easy and low-cost maintenance, observable developmental stages, and genetic similarity to humans make it an important model organism for research.