What is the name of the immature, feeding stage of a fly?

The immature, feeding stage of a fly is referred to as a maggot. This stage occurs after the eggs hatch and is characterized by a soft, elongated body that is primarily focused on feeding and growth. Maggots are the larval form of flies, specifically for those belonging to the order Diptera, which includes familiar species such as houseflies.

During this maggot stage, the organism consumes organic material, often decaying matter, which provides the nutrients necessary for its development. This feeding behavior is crucial as it allows the maggot to accumulate energy and resources that will support its metamorphosis into the next stage of development—the pupa. Understanding the role of the maggot is significant in various contexts, especially in forensic entomology, waste management, and ecological studies, where they contribute to decomposition processes.

The other terms listed do not accurately describe the immature feeding stage of a fly. A chrysalis is the pupal stage of certain insects such as butterflies and moths, while the term pupa refers to the stage in which the insect undergoes transformation. The term larva can describe various immature stages in insects, but in the context of flies, it is more specifically referred to as a maggot.