Community identification
Rat-tailed Maggot
Eristalis tenax (larva)
- Order & Family
- Order: Diptera; Family: Syrphidae
- Size
- Body is typically 20-25 mm; the 'tail' (breathing tube) can be much longer, extending several centimeters.
Natural Habitat
Found in stagnant water, sewer lagoons, septic tanks, and polluted water with high organic content.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on decaying organic matter and bacteria found in stagnant or polluted water.
Behavior Patterns
Uses its long, telescopic breathing tube to reach the water's surface for air while it remains submerged. When mature, it crawls to a dry location to pupate.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless and beneficial as decomposers; however, accidental ingestion in contaminated water can cause rare cases of intestinal myiasis in humans. Adults are beneficial pollinators known as hoverflies.