Do flies engage in complete metamorphosis during their life cycle?

Flies undergo complete metamorphosis, which is a developmental process that includes four distinct stages: egg, larva (often called a maggot), pupa, and adult. This process is characterized by a dramatic transformation in form and function between each stage. The initial stage begins with the laying of eggs, which hatch into larvae. As larvae feed and grow, they eventually enter the pupal stage, during which significant restructuring occurs, leading to the emergence of the mature adult fly.

Understanding the lifecycle is essential in entomology and biological studies, as it impacts ecological interactions, pest management strategies, and even studies related to genetics and evolution.