Rat-tailed Maggot
Scientific Name: Eristalis tenax (larva)
Order & Family: Diptera: Syrphidae
Size: 20–30 mm (excluding the 'tail' which can be much longer)
Natural Habitat
Stagnant water, polluted ditches, sewage lagoons, and moist organic matter
Diet & Feeding
Decaying organic matter and bacteria found in stagnant or polluted water
Behavior Patterns
The 'tail' is actually a telescopic breathing tube (siphon) that allows the larva to breathe air while submerged in oxygen-poor water. They eventually crawl to drier ground to pupate.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Adults (drone flies) are important pollinators. Risks: Rare cases of 'accidental myiasis' if water containing larvae is human-consumed, but generally harmless scavengers.
Identified on: 5/22/2026