Which larvae is known to feed on birds and mammal flesh?

Fly maggots are the larvae of certain fly species, particularly those in the family Calliphoridae, which includes blowflies and bottle flies. These maggots are well-known for their scavenging behavior, particularly in decomposing organic matter, including bird and mammal flesh. They have a crucial role in the ecosystem as decomposers, breaking down dead animals and thus aiding in nutrient recycling.

In addition to their ecological importance, fly maggots are notable in forensic science, where their presence on carrion can help determine the time of death in a crime investigation. Their diet and feeding habits are specifically adapted to consuming decaying flesh, making them efficient at this process.

The other options, while they include various types of larvae, do not typically consume the flesh of birds and mammals. Caterpillars, for example, primarily feed on plant material, specifically leaves. Beetle larvae can have diverse feeding habits, but many are also associated with decaying plant matter rather than animal flesh. Worms, such as earthworms, play a role in soil health and primarily consume organic matter like decomposing leaves and soil microbes but do not feed on animal flesh. Thus, fly maggots distinctly stand out due to their specialized feeding behavior on