Rat-tailed Maggot
Scientific Name: Eristalis tenax (larval stage)
Order & Family: Order Diptera, Family Syrphidae
Size: Body up to 20mm, with a 'tail' (respiratory siphon) that can extend several times the body length.
Natural Habitat
Stagnant water, polluted water sources, lagoons, and organic-rich environments such as sewage or manure runoff.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivore, feeding on decaying organic matter and microbes found in stagnant liquid environments.
Behavior Patterns
Uses its long, telescopic tail to breathe atmospheric air while submerged in low-oxygen water. They eventually migrate to drier soil to pupate.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Adults are beneficial pollinators (Hoverflies). Risks: Can cause accidental 'accidental myiasis' if ingested through contaminated water or food, leading to intestinal distress.
Identified on: 1/15/2026