What is the larval stage of a fly commonly called?

The larval stage of a fly is commonly referred to as a maggot. This stage follows the egg phase and is characterized by a soft, elongated body that lacks legs. Maggots are primarily found in decaying organic matter, where they feed and grow before eventually pupating into adult flies. Understanding the life cycle of flies is crucial in pest control, as larval stages can be targeted to prevent infestations.

The other terms mentioned refer to different stages of development in other insects. For instance, a pupa is the stage that follows the larval phase in many insects, including flies, where transformation occurs. Caterpillars are specifically the larval stage of butterflies and moths, while a chrysalis is another term for the pupa stage of butterflies, showcasing the transformation they undergo into adults. Thus, while these terms describe important phases in the life cycles of other insect species, they do not apply to flies, making maggot the accurate term for their larval stage.