Different Colored Maggots

Maggots or larvae belong to the order Diptera. Maggots as voracious eaters aid in the decomposition of dead or decaying matter. Some species help forensic scientists investigate time of death. Maggots are also used as fish bait or pet food.

  1. Blueberry Maggot

    • The blueberry maggot or larva appears colorless, then white. Adults appear black or gray with white markings. The female features four white bands on her abdomen. The male wears three white bands. Distinct black bands appear on the wings.

    Walnut Husk Maggot

    • The walnut husk maggot grows to 1/2 inch and appears a cream color. Adult's bodies are light brown with two clear wings marked with dark cross bars. They lay eggs in husks and cause a black slime that decomposes the husk quickly.

    Sunflower Seed Maggot

    • Sunflower seed maggots wear wings of a brown or yellowish-brown lace pattern. As pests of cultivated sunflowers, the small, brown pupae are attracted to the bud's face.

    Hover Fly

    • The hover fly sports a bright-colored body that looks similar to a bee or wasp. Their black bodies feature white, orange or yellow spots, bands or stripes across the abdomen. Also known as the rat-tailed maggot, drone fly or flower fly, this fly feeds on pollen and nectar, and mimics a bee's or wasps' behavior, according to the University of Florida.

    Blow Fly

    • The blow fly emerges from a capsule looking pale, but transforms to a metallic green or blue fly with black legs and orange hairs. Blow flies migrate for miles to deposit eggs.