Measuring Maggot Formation in Decomposing Animal Flesh Under Varied Conditions of Contact with Insects from the Order Diptera: Developing Techniques for Ceasing Maggot Formation and Casting Doubt on the Theory of Spontaneous Generation
Francesco Redi1
Abstract
The predominant extant theory regarding maggot formation has claimed that these simple biological organisms arise out of abiotic conditions, akin to extant theories about frogs arising from mud, fleas from dust, and scallops from sand. Determining the validity of these hypothetical origins is important for improving the longevity of foodstuffs containing animal flesh and resisting food insecurity in varied communities. In this study, we pursued a novel approach to attempting to prevent maggot formation by hindering fly access to the decaying meat. We ran four trials where identically massed pieces of meat were placed in identical glass jars, with the experimental group having their jars sealed with the use of cork whilst the controlled group had an unobstructed opening to the exterior environment. As predicted, the controlled group’s absence of the cork elicited numerous insects from the order Diptera (colloquially known as “flies”), who landed on the meat, which yielded the formation of maggots within a week. Meanwhile, the presence of the cork in the experimental group successfully hindered insects from contacting the meat, which failed to generate any maggots whatsoever in all four trials. This study demonstrates that maggots, absent the proximity of insects from the order Diptera, do not spontaneously generate, but are more likely a reproductive result of the insect creature in question. These results suggest greater support to the scientific theory known as “vita de est vita” that organisms, regardless of complexity, arise from parent organisms of the same species and do not arise simply from abiotic conditions.