Community identification
Rat-tailed Maggot
Eristalis tenax (larva)
- Order & Family
- Order Diptera; Family Syrphidae
- Size
- 20 mm to 35 mm (including the tail), body is typically around 20 mm.
Natural Habitat
Stagnant or polluted water systems, sewers, lagoons, and moist decomposing organic matter.
Diet & Feeding
Saprophagous; they consume decaying organic matter and bacteria found in stagnant water.
Behavior Patterns
They use their long, telescopic 'tail' as a snorkel to breathe atmospheric air while submerged in nutrient-rich, low-oxygen environments. They undergo complete metamorphosis to become Hover Flies (Eristalis).
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: The adult Hover Fly is an important pollinator. Risks: If accidentally ingested through contaminated water, they can cause accidental intestinal myiasis in humans, though this is rare.