Rat-tailed maggots
Scientific name: Eristalis
Rat-tailed maggots
Scientific name: Eristalis
Photo By Liam O'Brien , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
A member of the hoverfly family, Eristalis is often mistaken for bees or wasps due to its striking mimicry. This clever adaptation not only protects them from predators by exploiting the fear many animals have of stinging insects, it also allows them unrestricted access to pollinate flowers. Intriguingly, Eristalis larvae are known as 'rat-tailed maggots' due to their long, tail-like breathing tube that enables them to thrive in stagnant, oxygen-poor water.
Species of Rat-tailed maggots
Scientific Classification
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