What are the larvae that consume tissue during decomposition commonly known as?

The term that refers to the larvae which consume tissue during the decomposition process is maggots. These are the larval form of certain fly species, and they play a critical role in the breakdown of organic matter after death. Their feeding habits accelerate decomposition by breaking down tissues, which helps recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

In forensic investigations, the presence of maggots can provide valuable information regarding the post-mortem interval, as their life cycle stages can be precisely timed. This makes maggots not only important in the natural decomposition process but also a key element in forensic science when estimating the time since death.