What are fly larvae commonly known as?

Fly larvae are commonly known as maggots. This terminology specifically refers to the immature, legless form of flies that hatch from eggs laid by adult flies, particularly those from the order Diptera. Maggots are typically associated with decomposition and the breakdown of organic material, as they often thrive in environments where decaying matter is present, such as carrion or rotting food. This stage of development is crucial for their growth before they eventually pupate and emerge as adult flies.

The other terms refer to other life stages or different organisms. Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths, distinctly different from fly larvae. Worms can refer to various types of segmented or round worms, which are not specifically related to flies. Pupa denotes the stage in the lifecycle where the larva undergoes transformation into an adult, separate from the larval stage itself. Thus, the terminology surrounding fly larvae is specifically linked to their role as maggots in the ecosystem.