Their larvae or maggots grow to full size in 2-10 days, then drop into the soil before pupating into adult flies.
L. sericata larvae are used as a Biosurgery Agent (MDT: Maggot Debridement Therapy) in cases when antibiotics and surgery aren´t possible.
Maggots can eat dead or necrotic tissue without harming the surrounding living tissue and its secretions aid tissue regeneration.
Finally, because L. sericata is one of the first insects to colonize a corpse, it´s favored over other species in determining an approximate time of death by forensic entomologists.
