Community identification
Rat-tailed maggot
Eristalis tenax (larva)
- Order & Family
- Order Diptera, Family Syrphidae
- Size
- 20 to 35 mm (including the tail which can be much longer than the body)
Natural Habitat
Stagnant water, polluted water sources, lagoons, and sewage with high organic content
Diet & Feeding
Decaying organic matter and bacteria found in stagnant or polluted water
Behavior Patterns
The larva uses its long, telescopic breathing tube (the 'tail') to breathe atmospheric air while submerged in oxygen-depleted water. It eventually crawls to a drier location to pupate.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Larvae help decompose organic waste; adults (drone flies) are important pollinators. Risks: Can cause accidental enteric myiasis in humans if ingested via contaminated water, though this is rare.