Fruit fly larva (maggot)

Found near decaying organic matter, ripening fruits, and vegetables indoors or outdoors.

Consumes sugars and yeasts from fermenting or decaying fruits and organic vegetable matter.

Larvae hatch from eggs laid on a food source, feed continuously during three larval stages (instars), then move to a drier spot to pupate.

Generally harmless to humans but considered a nuisance pest in kitchens. They play an ecological role in breaking down organic matter, though they can contaminate food in domestic settings.