Here's what typically happens when a blow fly lands on food and deposits an egg:
1. The female blow fly lays an egg on the surface of the food, usually in a moist or sheltered area.
2. The egg hatches into a larva (maggot) within a few days.
3. The maggot begins to feed on the food, breaking it down and causing it to decompose.
4. As the maggot grows, it molts its skin several times.
5. After reaching full size, the maggot pupates, forming a protective case around itself.
6. The pupa then develops into an adult blow fly, which emerges from the pupal case.
The entire life cycle of a blow fly, from egg to adult, can take as little as 10 days under ideal conditions. This rapid reproduction rate and the ability to lay eggs on a variety of food sources make blow flies a common pest in kitchens, restaurants, and other areas where food is stored or prepared.
To prevent blow flies from contaminating food, it's important to keep food covered and stored properly, especially in warm weather. Regular cleaning and sanitation practices in kitchens and food preparation areas can also help reduce the risk of blow fly infestation.