What does the presence of maggots indicate about a body?

The presence of maggots on a body is a significant indicator of the decomposition process, particularly indicating that the body is in an advanced state of decay. Maggots, which are the larvae of flies, typically begin to appear shortly after death as adult flies are attracted to decomposing organic matter to lay their eggs. In cases of advanced decay, the body has reached a stage where decomposition has progressed significantly, allowing for the suitable conditions for maggots to thrive.

In contrast, a fresh body would not have evidence of maggots as the decomposition process has not yet progressed enough for flies to be attracted. Similarly, a body that has been buried may not show external signs of maggots due to the lack of access for flies. Lastly, if a body is preserved, such as in freezing conditions or through embalming, it would also not attract maggots due to the absence of decomposition. Therefore, the presence of maggots is strong evidence of a body being in advanced decay, making this understanding crucial in forensic investigations.