One of the developmental stages of the larva, between successive moults (the term instar can also be used to describe any developmental stage including egg, pupa or imago, so must not be used without stating which part of the life cycle is being referred to, i.e., always write larval instar even though the terms egg instar, pupal instar, imago instar are very rare). The number of larval instars is six or seven in black flies (Simuliidae) and four in most other Nematocera. Along the second line of evolution of flies, Brachycera have from five to eight instars while the maggots of the most advanced flies (Cyclorrhapha) have only three. One or two species have no moults. Sometimes moults occur before the larva hatches from the egg. Muscidae, for example, are arranged in three groups according to whether they are trimorphic (i.e., have three free larval instars), dimorphic (i.e., pass the first instar in the egg, have two free larval instars), or monomorphic (i.e., pass the first two instars in the egg, have one free larval instar). Monomorphic larvae are always predatory; trimorphic and dimorphic larvae feed first on decaying matter (are saprophagous), but they may or may not be predatory in their final instar.
Recommended literature: Smith, K.V.G., 1989. An introduction to the immature stages of British flies. Diptera larvae, with notes on eggs, puparia and pupae. - Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects 10(14): 1-280. As an excellent reference with keys to suborders, families, subfamilies and genera.
Tried to attach an image to a forum post. jpg, 32kB, 72dpi, no blanks, ... File name is correctly displayed, but when I click "Preview Thread" it just vanishes. Help!