Maggot

Maggot

A maggot is the larval stage of a fly (order Diptera); it is applied in particular to the larvae of Brachycera flies, such as houseflies, cheese flies, and blowflies, rather than larvae of the Nematocera, such as mosquitoes and Crane flies. A maggot is typically 3 to 9 mm long, white, and legless.

Biology

Maggots are important in ecology and medicine. In the natural environment, they break down animal and plant material, recycling nutrients back into the soil. In medicine, sterile larvae are sometimes introduced into non-healing wounds to clean away necrotic tissue and kill bacteria.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a fly consists of the egg stage, three larval stages, a pupal stage, and the adult stage. Female flies lay eggs which hatch into first-stage larvae. These larvae feed and grow, shedding their skin to progress to the second stage. After a further period of feeding and growth, they shed their skin one final time to become third-stage larvae. At the end of this stage, they leave their food source and seek a suitable place to pupate. During the pupal stage, they undergo metamorphosis into adult flies.

Medical Uses

Maggots have been used for centuries as a treatment for wounds. The practice, known as Maggot therapy, involves introducing sterile maggots into non-healing wounds. The maggots consume dead tissue and kill bacteria, promoting healing. Maggot therapy is currently used in some hospitals and wound care clinics.

In Popular Culture

Maggots are often associated with death and decay in popular culture. They are frequently featured in horror and crime fiction, often as a sign of a decomposing body.

See Also

• Fly
• Maggot therapy
• Life cycle of flies

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