Fly Larva (Maggot)

Moist environments containing decaying organic matter, such as garbage, manure, or animal carcasses; occasionally found indoors in forgotten food leftovers.

Liquid or semi-liquid organic matter, decaying plant material, or decomposing animal tissue.

Larvae are photophobic (move away from light) and spend their time burrowing into food sources to eat and grow rapidly before pupating into adult flies.

Risks: Can spread bacteria (like Salmonella) and contaminate food sources. Benefits: Crucial decomposers in the ecosystem that help break down waste and recycle nutrients back into the soil.