Rat-tailed Maggot

Stagnant water, polluted ditches, sewage lagoons, and moist organic matter

Decaying organic matter and bacteria found in stagnant or polluted water

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.

Benefits: Adults (drone flies) are important pollinators. Risks: Rare cases of 'accidental myiasis' if water containing larvae is human-consumed, but generally harmless scavengers.