Rat-tailed maggot

Natural Habitat

Stagnant water, polluted ponds, sewage lagoons, and moist decomposing organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae filter-feed on bacteria and decaying organic matter in polluted water environments.

Behavior Patterns

The long 'tail' is actually a breathing tube (siphon) that allows the larva to breathe air while remaining submerged in oxygen-depleted water. They pupate on land in drier conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Adults are beneficial pollinators known as drone flies. Larvae are generally harmless but can occasionally cause accidental enteric myiasis in humans if ingested in contaminated water.

Identified on: 6/16/2026