Maggots

Maggots are the larval stage of flies, typically appearing as soft, pale, legless bodies that hatch from eggs laid by adult flies. They are found in a wide range of environments but are especially common on decaying organic matter such as carcasses, manure, and spoiled food. In natural ecosystems, maggots help break down matter and recycle nutrients, supporting later stages of decomposition and soil formation.

Life cycle: Most maggots hatch from eggs within a day or two after oviposition. They pass through several instars, growing as they feed on available tissue or material. Depending on species and temperature, the larval stage lasts several days to weeks, after which the maggots seek drier ground to pupate. Pupation yields an adult fly, completing the life cycle.

Anatomy and feeding: Maggots lack legs and eyes; they have a soft, tapered body and mouthparts adapted for chewing or rasping organic matter. They breathe through posterior spiracles and move by undulating movements. Their feeding behavior is opportunistic, concentrated on moist, decomposing material.

Medical and forensic relevance: Maggots have medical use in maggot debridement therapy, where sterilized larvae of certain fly species are applied to remove dead tissue and promote healing in non-healing wounds. In forensic entomology, the age and development stage of maggots recovered from a corpse can help estimate the postmortem interval, considering environmental conditions and species involved.

Human interactions and pests: Some species are pests, contaminating stored products or causing myiasis in animals and, rarely, humans. Control focuses on sanitation, proper waste management, and, where appropriate, targeted insecticides or traps. Maggots in natural settings are usually harmless and play a natural role in decomposition.