Fly Larva (Maggot)

Scientific Name: Diptera (Suborder Brachycera)

Order & Family: Order: Diptera; Families vary (e.g., Muscidae, Calliphoridae)

Size: 3mm to 12mm (depending on species and instar stage)

Fly Larva (Maggot)

Natural Habitat

Decaying organic matter, waste, garbage, or moist food sources

Diet & Feeding

Liquid or semi-liquid organic matter, bacteria, and rotting material; they use mouth hooks to scrape and intake liquified food

Behavior Patterns

They are photophobic (move away from light) and spend most of their time burrowing into food sources to feed and grow before pupation

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can contaminate food and potentially spread pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli. Benefits: Ecological decomposers that recycle nutrients; some species are used in controlled forensic or medical settings

Identified on: 3/15/2026