Fruit Fly Larva (Maggot)

Found globally near ripening or fermenting fruit, vegetable matter, and drains.

Feeds on yeast, bacteria, and sugar within decaying organic matter or overripe fruit.

The larval stage consists of three instars; they burrow into soft food sources to feed before migrating to a dry spot to pupate.

Primarily a nuisance pest that can cause food spoilage; however, they are invaluable to science as a model organism for genetic research.