Difference between revisions of "Maggot" - New World Encyclopedia
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'''Maggot''' is the common name of the soft-bodied, legless, [[worm]]-like [[larva]] of [[insect]]s of the order [[Diptera]], typically with a reduced head, which may be retracted into the body. The term often is associated with larvae that live on decaying flesh or tissue debris. | '''Maggot''' is the common name of the soft-bodied, legless, [[worm]]-like [[larva]] of [[insect]]s of the order [[Diptera]], typically with a reduced head, which may be retracted into the body. The term often is associated with larvae that live on decaying flesh or tissue debris. | ||
| − | ==Overview== | + | ==Overview and description== |
A true fly is any species of insect of the order [[Diptera]]. True flies undergo a [[metamorphosis|complete metamorphosis]], or complex metamorphosis, in which there are four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larval phase of development is commonly known as a maggot. Depending on the species, there are generally 3 to 8 larval stages. Many species have larva in which the head is reduced and retracted into the body, with the much reduced head and mouthparts at the pointed end (Kendall 2007). | A true fly is any species of insect of the order [[Diptera]]. True flies undergo a [[metamorphosis|complete metamorphosis]], or complex metamorphosis, in which there are four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larval phase of development is commonly known as a maggot. Depending on the species, there are generally 3 to 8 larval stages. Many species have larva in which the head is reduced and retracted into the body, with the much reduced head and mouthparts at the pointed end (Kendall 2007). | ||
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[[Image:Maggots.jpg|thumb|Maggot therapy used in a small wound.]] | [[Image:Maggots.jpg|thumb|Maggot therapy used in a small wound.]] | ||
| + | ===Ecological, commercial, and forensic=== | ||
| + | '''Ecological functions'''. Maggots are important as decomposers, helping to break down decaying tissues and retaining the nutrients, rather than being lost. The flesh of dead animals are quickly reduced by maggots. Furthermore, maggots are important in [[food chain]]s, being consumed by a wide variety of [[invertebrate]]s and [[vertebrate]]s. | ||
| − | + | '''Commercial functions'''. Maggots are bred commercially, as a popular bait in fishing, and a food for carnivorous pets such as [[reptile]]s or [[bird]]s. Maggots have been used in food production, particularly [[cheese]]. | |
| − | Some types of maggots found on corpses can be of great use to forensic scientists. By their stage of development (instar), these maggots can be used to give an indication of the time elapsed since death, as well as the place the [[organism]] died. | + | '''Forensic science'''. Some types of maggots found on corpses can be of great use to forensic scientists. By their stage of development (instar), these maggots can be used to give an indication of the time elapsed since death, as well as the place the [[organism]] died. |
| − | + | ===Maggot therapy=== | |
| + | [[Image:Maggots.jpg|thumb|Maggot therapy used in a small wound]] | ||
| − | + | Certain live maggots have been employed since antiquity as an economical, safe and effective type of wound [[debridement]] (cleaning). Long ago, including during the U.S. Civil War and World War I, some doctors noticed soldiers that had maggots on their wounds healed quicker than those without maggots. Maggot Therapy (also known as Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT), larval therapy, larva therapy, or larvae therapy) is the intentional introduction of live, disinfected maggots or fly larvae into non-healing skin or soft tissue wounds of a human or other animal. This practice was widely used before the discovery of [[antibiotic]]s, as it serves to clean the dead tissue within a wound in order to promote healing. While maggot therapy declined with the advent of antibiotics and surgical techniques, there has been renewed interest in recent years. | |
| − | + | Today, in controlled and sterile settings by licensed medical practitioners, [[maggot therapy]] introduces live, disinfected maggots into non-healing skin or soft wounds of a human or other animal. The maggots consume the dead tissue and skin, leaving the live tissue alone, while excreting powerful antibiotics to which bacteria have not yet developed tolerance, thus killing the bacteria or inhibiting their growth. As of 2008, maggot therapy was being used in around 1000 medical centers in Europe and over 300 medical centers in the United States (Ngan 2008). | |
| − | + | Only a few species of fly larvae are suitable for such use in maggot therapy, notably blowflies (Handwerk 2003). Maggots of the blowfly have been used to treat injuries like pressure ulcers (bed sores), stab wounds, leg and foot ulcers, and post-surgical wounds that are not healing properly (Willis 2001). | |
| + | ===Deleterious actions=== | ||
| + | Diverse maggots cause damage in [[agriculture|agricultural]] crop production, including root maggots in rapeseed and midge maggots in [[wheat]]. Some maggots are leaf miners. | ||
| − | + | While maggots of most fly species only eat [[necrotic]] tissue in living animals and are thus arguably [[symbiotic]], certain types of maggots are [[parasitic]], such as [[Botfly]] larvae, which spend part of their life cycle as parasites under the skin of living animals. As with [[flea]]s and [[tick]]s, these maggots can be a threat to household pets and [[livestock]], especially [[sheep]]. Flies reproduce rapidly in the summer months and maggots can come in large numbers, creating a maggot infestation and a high risk of [[myiasis]] in sheep and other animals. Myasis is the infection of an animal with maggots. While the myiasis of some species is beneficial in terms of maggot therapy, other species attracted to wounds can be harmful. They may burrow into the skin and cause lesions or move through the body and cause organ damage (Willis 2001). | |
| − | [[ | + | |
| − | + | Some larval forms feed on live tissue as well as decaying tissue, such as the screw worm fly, which is sometimes referred to as a "flesh-eater." It lays its eggs on the edges of wounds or in mucous membranes of body openings and the larva burrow downwards in to the tissue, causing extensive tissue damage and sometimes death (Willis 2001). | |
| − | |||
| − | + | Humans are not immune to the feeding habits of maggots and can also contract myiasis. Interaction between humans and maggots usually occurs near garbage cans, dead animals, rotten food, and other breeding grounds for maggots. | |
| − | |||
A major problem also arises when maggots turn into flies and start the life cycle over again. Within a few generations the number of maggots grows exponentially and becomes a serious problem. Professionals can remove maggots or many over-the-counter bug sprays can be used to deter flies and maggots. Keeping trash in a sealed container and using a [[garbage disposal]] or freezing rotting leftovers until rubbish collection day helps prevent infestation. | A major problem also arises when maggots turn into flies and start the life cycle over again. Within a few generations the number of maggots grows exponentially and becomes a serious problem. Professionals can remove maggots or many over-the-counter bug sprays can be used to deter flies and maggots. Keeping trash in a sealed container and using a [[garbage disposal]] or freezing rotting leftovers until rubbish collection day helps prevent infestation. | ||
| − | == | + | ==References== |
| − | + | Vanessa Ngan, 2008. | |
| + | Maggot debridement therapy | ||
| − | + | [http://dermnetnz.org/procedures/maggots.html] | |
| − | |||
== Gallery == | == Gallery == | ||
Revision as of 01:25, 8 November 2008
Maggot is the common name of the soft-bodied, legless, worm-like larva of insects of the order Diptera, typically with a reduced head, which may be retracted into the body. The term often is associated with larvae that live on decaying flesh or tissue debris.
Overview and description
A true fly is any species of insect of the order Diptera. True flies undergo a complete metamorphosis, or complex metamorphosis, in which there are four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larval phase of development is commonly known as a maggot. Depending on the species, there are generally 3 to 8 larval stages. Many species have larva in which the head is reduced and retracted into the body, with the much reduced head and mouthparts at the pointed end (Kendall 2007).
In the larval stage, the legless maggot generally begins to feed on whatever the egg was laid on, such as decomposing flesh. The maggot gorges itself with food until it is ready to enter the pupal stage, at which point the maggot travels away from the food source to an appropriate, generally moist spot. During the pupal stage, it metamorphosizes into an adult. Maggots tend to be voracious feeders.
Importance of maggots
Ecological, commercial, and forensic
Ecological functions. Maggots are important as decomposers, helping to break down decaying tissues and retaining the nutrients, rather than being lost. The flesh of dead animals are quickly reduced by maggots. Furthermore, maggots are important in food chains, being consumed by a wide variety of invertebrates and vertebrates.
Commercial functions. Maggots are bred commercially, as a popular bait in fishing, and a food for carnivorous pets such as reptiles or birds. Maggots have been used in food production, particularly cheese.
Forensic science. Some types of maggots found on corpses can be of great use to forensic scientists. By their stage of development (instar), these maggots can be used to give an indication of the time elapsed since death, as well as the place the organism died.
Maggot therapy
Certain live maggots have been employed since antiquity as an economical, safe and effective type of wound debridement (cleaning). Long ago, including during the U.S. Civil War and World War I, some doctors noticed soldiers that had maggots on their wounds healed quicker than those without maggots. Maggot Therapy (also known as Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT), larval therapy, larva therapy, or larvae therapy) is the intentional introduction of live, disinfected maggots or fly larvae into non-healing skin or soft tissue wounds of a human or other animal. This practice was widely used before the discovery of antibiotics, as it serves to clean the dead tissue within a wound in order to promote healing. While maggot therapy declined with the advent of antibiotics and surgical techniques, there has been renewed interest in recent years.
Today, in controlled and sterile settings by licensed medical practitioners, maggot therapy introduces live, disinfected maggots into non-healing skin or soft wounds of a human or other animal. The maggots consume the dead tissue and skin, leaving the live tissue alone, while excreting powerful antibiotics to which bacteria have not yet developed tolerance, thus killing the bacteria or inhibiting their growth. As of 2008, maggot therapy was being used in around 1000 medical centers in Europe and over 300 medical centers in the United States (Ngan 2008).
Only a few species of fly larvae are suitable for such use in maggot therapy, notably blowflies (Handwerk 2003). Maggots of the blowfly have been used to treat injuries like pressure ulcers (bed sores), stab wounds, leg and foot ulcers, and post-surgical wounds that are not healing properly (Willis 2001).
Deleterious actions
Diverse maggots cause damage in agricultural crop production, including root maggots in rapeseed and midge maggots in wheat. Some maggots are leaf miners.
While maggots of most fly species only eat necrotic tissue in living animals and are thus arguably symbiotic, certain types of maggots are parasitic, such as Botfly larvae, which spend part of their life cycle as parasites under the skin of living animals. As with fleas and ticks, these maggots can be a threat to household pets and livestock, especially sheep. Flies reproduce rapidly in the summer months and maggots can come in large numbers, creating a maggot infestation and a high risk of myiasis in sheep and other animals. Myasis is the infection of an animal with maggots. While the myiasis of some species is beneficial in terms of maggot therapy, other species attracted to wounds can be harmful. They may burrow into the skin and cause lesions or move through the body and cause organ damage (Willis 2001).
Some larval forms feed on live tissue as well as decaying tissue, such as the screw worm fly, which is sometimes referred to as a "flesh-eater." It lays its eggs on the edges of wounds or in mucous membranes of body openings and the larva burrow downwards in to the tissue, causing extensive tissue damage and sometimes death (Willis 2001).
Humans are not immune to the feeding habits of maggots and can also contract myiasis. Interaction between humans and maggots usually occurs near garbage cans, dead animals, rotten food, and other breeding grounds for maggots.
A major problem also arises when maggots turn into flies and start the life cycle over again. Within a few generations the number of maggots grows exponentially and becomes a serious problem. Professionals can remove maggots or many over-the-counter bug sprays can be used to deter flies and maggots. Keeping trash in a sealed container and using a garbage disposal or freezing rotting leftovers until rubbish collection day helps prevent infestation.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
Vanessa Ngan, 2008. Maggot debridement therapy
Gallery
Maggots. Dalius Baranauskas
Eurosta solidaginis Goldenrod Gall Fly larva
External links
- Maggot vending machines in the UK
- Maggot Therapy Project website at the University of California, Irvine, list of maggot therapy practitioners
- http://www.monarchlabs.com/ suppliers of Medical Maggots (disinfected Phaenicia sericata larvae), picture of Medical Maggots vial
- http://www.bterfoundation.org/ BioTherapeutics Education and Research Foundation
- Get rid of Maggots Website with visitors' input on getting rid of maggots
- Biotherapy with leeches and maggots
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