Fruit fly larva (maggot)

Overripe, rotting, or fermenting fruits and vegetables; also found in drains, garbage disposals, and damp organic matter.

Primarily feeds on yeast and bacteria associated with decaying organic matter and fermenting sugar-rich plant materials.

Larvae hatch from eggs approximately 24-30 hours after being laid. They burrow into moist food sources to feed continuously for several days before crawling to a drier area to pupate.

Generally considered a nuisance pest in homes. They do not bite or sting, but they can contaminate food with bacteria (like E. coli or Salmonella) they carry from waste materials. In science, they are highly beneficial as a primary model organism for genetic research.