How does maggots form on raw meat?

Maggots don't actually "form" on raw meat. They are the larval stage of flies, specifically the blowfly, and they develop from eggs laid by the female fly on the meat.

Here's the breakdown:

1. Flies lay eggs: Blowflies are attracted to decaying organic matter, including raw meat. The female fly lays tiny, white eggs on the meat, often in cracks and crevices.

2. Eggs hatch into larvae: Within a few hours, the eggs hatch into maggots, which are the fly larvae.

3. Maggots feed and grow: The maggots feed on the meat, growing rapidly and shedding their skin as they mature.

4. Maggots pupate: After a few days, the maggots pupate, forming a hardened shell to protect themselves during the transformation stage.

5. Adult flies emerge: After a period of time, usually a few weeks, adult flies emerge from the pupae, completing the life cycle.

It's important to note that maggots do not form spontaneously on meat. The presence of maggots indicates that flies have laid eggs there. To prevent maggots on raw meat, keep it properly refrigerated and covered.