Fruit Fly Larva (Maggot)

Found near decaying organic matter, especially overripe fruits, vegetables, garbage disposals, drains, and spills of fermented liquids like beer or wine.

They feed on fungi (yeast) and bacteria growing on rotting plant material and fruits.

Larvae hatch from eggs laid in rotting material and feed voraciously for several days. They then migrate to a drier location to pupate. The life cycle is extremely rapid, completing in about a week under ideal warm conditions.

Risks: Can be a significant nuisance in homes and restaurants; potential to spread bacteria; can spoil food. Benefits: Extremely important model organism for genetic research.