Fly Larva (Maggot) / Potential Screwworm

Inhabits decaying organic matter, necrotic tissue, or open wounds on living hosts.

Consumes necrotic (dead) tissue, exudates, or in the case of primary screwworms, healthy living tissue.

Larvae hatch from eggs laid near or in a wound; they use mouth hooks to feed and burrow into the tissue to grow before pupating.

Risks: Can cause myiasis, tissue destruction, secondary infection, and extreme pain or death in the host. Benefits: Some specific sterilized species are used in 'maggot debridement therapy' to clean necrotic wounds.