Rat-tailed maggot

Natural Habitat

Found in stagnant or polluted water, sewers, manure pits, and decaying organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on decaying organic material and bacteria; adults feed on nectar and pollen.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae use their long 'tail' as a breathing tube (siphon) to reach oxygen at the surface while submerged; they undergo pupation in drier soil before emerging as hoverflies.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem as adult hoverflies are significant pollinators and larvae decompose waste; rarely causes accidental intestinal myiasis in humans if contaminated food or water is ingested.

Identified on: 6/26/2026