How Do Flies Turn Into Maggots?

When a fly hatches, it lays 300 or more eggs in a suitable substrate. That substrate could be dead animals, feces, or rotting food. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae need food to grow and develop. During their development, flies go through five molting stages before they reach adulthood. Each molt is known as an instar and the amount of time between each molt is called the incubation period. This process usually lasts about 17 to 28 days at optimal temperatures.

While most flies turn into maggots and reproduce into adult flies, there are a few species that turn into predatory maggots. These maggots are covered with spiny protrusions that serve as a defense against other predators. Maggots are incredible food processors. Their mouth hooks rake decaying flesh. They also have chambers at their rear ends where they breathe. In addition to feeding, maggots have anterior and posterior spiracles that allow them to breathe and feed 24 hours a day.

In addition to their consumption of food, maggots are a prime source of food for birds and reptiles. In addition to these benefits, maggots can also be harmful to humans if consumed. Fly larvae take five days to mature and fecal matter makes the best environment for maggots.

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