Rat-tailed maggot

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

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

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.

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.