Which fly has a larval stage that can survive well in decaying organic matter?

The correct answer is the flesh fly, known scientifically as Sarcophagidae. Flesh flies have a larval stage, or maggot stage, that thrives in environments rich in decaying organic matter, such as dead animals and rotting food. This adaptability to decay makes them effective decomposers in natural ecosystems, and they play an important role in nutrient recycling.

Flesh flies typically lay their eggs on carrion, where the larvae can feed and develop in an ideal environment that provides both nourishment and moisture. This capability is crucial for their life cycle, allowing them to reproduce efficiently in locations where other species might struggle to thrive.

In contrast, other options listed are associated with different habitats or life cycles. For instance, Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, primarily feeds on fermented fruit rather than decaying organic matter. The face fly, responsible for transmitting diseases from livestock, typically prefers to inhabit animal waste and does not have the same association with decaying matter as flesh flies. Similarly, Stomoxys calcitrans, known as the stable fly, is associated with livestock and manure rather than decaying organic material.