Fly Larva (Maggot)

Moist organic matter, decaying food or waste, and domestic environments like carpets or kitchens if organic spills occur.

Decaying organic matter, rotting food, animal waste, and bacterial films.

Larvae are photophobic (hide from light) and prefer moist environments to avoid desiccation. They undergo three larval stages (instars) before pupating into adult flies.

Risks: Can indicate sanitation issues and spread pathogens if they contact human food. Benefits: Act as decomposers in the environment, breaking down organic waste; some species are used in forensic entomology to determine time of death.