Fruit fly larva (Maggot)

Typically found near overripe fruits, vegetables, and decaying organic matter.

Feeds on yeast, bacteria, and sugar within fermenting or decaying organic material.

Larvae pass through three instar stages, constantly feeding and burrowing into food sources before seeking a dry spot to pupate.

They are nuisance pests in homes and can spoil food; however, they are invaluable to science as genetic research models and act as decomposers in nature.