Fly Larva (Maggot)

Found in decaying organic matter, garbage, compost, or animal carcasses.

Liquid or semi-liquid organic matter, decaying flesh, or fermentation products depending on species.

Larvae follow a three-stage 'instar' growth cycle, primarily moving to avoid light (phototaxis) and stay within moist food sources. They eventually crawl away from food to pupate in dry soil or crevices.

Risks include potential spread of enteric pathogens like Salmonella; some species cause myiasis (infestation of living tissue). Benefits include being vital decomposers in the nitrogen cycle and helpful in forensic entomology.