A maggot is the larva of a fly (belonging to the order Diptera). More specifically, the term "maggot" is typically used to describe the larvae of flies from the suborder Brachycera, such as houseflies, cheese flies, and blowflies. It's less commonly used for the larvae of Nematocera flies, like mosquitoes or crane flies.
Here's a breakdown:
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Larval Stage: Maggots represent the immature, larval stage in the life cycle of a fly. This stage is primarily focused on feeding and growth.
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Fly Order Diptera: Flies are classified under the order Diptera, characterized by having only two wings (hence "di" - two, and "ptera" - wings).
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Brachycera Flies: These are a suborder of flies, and their larvae are the ones most frequently referred to as maggots. Examples include:
- Houseflies: Common household pests.
- Cheese Flies: Known for infesting cheese and other dairy products.
- Blowflies: Often associated with carrion and decaying matter.
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Distinction from Nematocera Larvae: While Nematocera flies (like mosquitoes and crane flies) also have larvae, these are usually referred to by other names and are generally distinct in appearance and habitat. Mosquito larvae, for instance, are aquatic and are often called "wrigglers."
In summary, a maggot is a legless, often cylindrical larva of a fly, most commonly referring to the larvae of Brachycera flies like houseflies, cheese flies, and blowflies, which are adapted for rapid growth and feeding, often on decaying organic matter.
