Bug Identifier
Fly Larva (Maggot)
Community identification

Fly Larva (Maggot)

Diptera (Unidentified Larva Stage)

Order & Family
Order: Diptera; Family: Variable (often Calliphoridae or Muscidae)
Size
3mm to 12mm depending on development stage
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in organic matter such as decaying food, garbage, manure, or soil; occasionally found indoors near breeding sites.

Diet & Feeding

Organic waste, rotting plant material, or decaying animal matter depending on the specific genus.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae focus entirely on feeding and growth before entering a pupal stage; they are typically photophobic and seek dark, moist environments.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include potential contamination of food sources and transmission of bacteria; benefits include acting as primary decomposers in the environment.