What is the larval stage of a common household fly commonly referred to as?

The larval stage of a common household fly is referred to as a maggot. This stage follows the egg phase in the life cycle of flies. After a female fly lays her eggs, which are often found in decaying matter or organic waste, the eggs hatch into larvae. These larvae, or maggots, are typically soft-bodied and legless, and they feed on organic material, which helps them grow and develop.

Understanding the life cycle of flies is crucial for extermination practices, as targeting the larval stage can be an effective way to manage and control fly populations. The identification of larval forms is essential because they can be significant pests, especially in areas where food safety is a concern. Other stages like the pupa and egg represent different developments in the life cycle, while caterpillars are distinct and primarily associated with moths and butterflies rather than flies. Therefore, recognizing the term “maggot” in this context reflects both accurate entomological classification and an important aspect of pest control strategies.