Rat-tailed maggot

Rat-tailed Maggot

The Rat-tailed Maggot is the larval stage of certain species of hoverflies. A characteristic feature of these larvae is a tube-like, telescoping breathing siphon located at its posterior end, giving them their common name. This siphon often gives an appearance of a tail, hence the name "rat-tailed."

Biology

Rat-tailed maggots are typically found in stagnant water, such as sewage and lagoons. They are also found in manure and compost heaps. The larvae are well adapted to survive in these low-oxygen environments due to their siphon, which they use like a snorkel.

Species

The most common species of rat-tailed maggots are from the Eristalis genus, including Eristalis tenax, the drone fly. Other species include Eristalis arbustorum and Eristalis cryptarum.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a rat-tailed maggot consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female hoverfly lays her eggs in stagnant water or manure. The eggs hatch into larvae, which grow and eventually pupate. The adult hoverfly emerges from the pupa.

Medical Significance

While rat-tailed maggots are not directly harmful to humans, they are often associated with dirty environments and can indicate a lack of sanitation. In rare cases, they can cause myiasis, a parasitic infection.

See Also

• Hoverfly
• Myiasis
• Eristalis

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  Eristalis tenax larva close-up
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  Eristalis tenax on cup
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  Rat-tailed maggot
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  Australian Rat-tailed fly larva
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  Rat-tailed maggot leaving water to pupate