Rat-tailed maggot (larval stage)

Natural Habitat

Stagnant water, polluted ditches, lagoons, and organic-rich moist environments.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on decaying organic matter, bacteria, and microscopic organisms in stagnant water.

Behavior Patterns

Uses a long, telescopic tail to breathe atmospheric air while submerged in low-oxygen environments. They eventually migrate to drier ground to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Adults (Drone flies) are beneficial pollinators. Larvae can occasionally cause accidental 'intestinal myiasis' if ingested in contaminated water, but they are generally harmless to humans and help break down organic waste.

Identified on: 12/28/2025