Maggots are the larvae of flies. They are small, white, legless creatures found in food waste, compost, and animal carcasses. As decomposers, they recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Interesting facts: maggots can hatch within 24 hours, grow up to half an inch long, eat bacteria and organic matter, survive extreme temperatures, and are used as food and medicine in some cultures. Despite their appearance, they play an important ecological role.