The Life of a Maggot

Identification

• Maggots vary in color by fly species, but are normally a shade of brown or black. Maggots resemble short, fat worms and have slimy, tubular-shaped bodies. Some maggots have fur or spikes. The maggots with spikes are predatory maggots that eat other maggots.

Stages of Development

• Maggots go through three stages prior to becoming pupae. These stages are marked by molting, and are referred to as the first, second and third "instar." Some maggots grow from 2 mm after hatching to 20 mm by the end of the third instar.

Feeding

• Maggots eat decomposing matter, which is why they are often found in garbage and on corpses.
  Maggots can eat 24 hours a day non-stop. Their breathing apparatus is located at their rear so that it does not interfere with feeding.

Pre-Pupa Stage

• When the fly reaches the end of the maggot stage, it enters the pre-pupa stage. During this time, the larva is creating the shell that will be come the pupa. The larva remains in the pupa for an average of 10 days while it transforms into a fly. The fly will live only one to three days before it lays eggs and dies.

Dangers and Prevention

• The main threat maggots bring is myiasis in pets, and although they will not bite pets, contact with maggot can be uncomfortable and even painful for dogs and cats.
  The best way to prevent a maggot infestation is to always take the garbage out and keep dark and moist areas of the house clean.