What is a maggot?
A maggot is the larva stage of a fly, such as a housefly (Musca domestica) or blowfly (Diptera).
The correct term for a maggot is fly larva, or the larvae of flies (plural).
Maggot
One day after a fly lays eggs, the eggs hatch into larvae. Larvae are long whitish-cream, and legless. They are wider at the tail end and narrower at the mouth end. Fly larvae prefer warm, moist, and dark places, and avoid light.
After 14-30 days, larvae undergo a metamorphosis and change into pupae. An adult fly emerges from the pupa after another 2-20 days.
Larva = single, one larva
Larvae = plural, several larvae
Pupa = single, one pupa
Pupae = plural, several pupae
Maggot
Maggot
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM