Eristalis similis
Eristalis similis
Their larvae are known as 'rat-tailed maggots' because of a long, telescopic tail used as a snorkel to breathe underwater while feeding in anaerobic mud.
- Scientific name
- Eristalis similis
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Diptera › Syrphidae › Eristalis
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous forest edges, damp meadows, and gardens near stagnant water bodies.
- Diet
- Adults feed on pollen and nectar from flowers; larvae feed on decaying organic matter in wet environments.
- Range
- Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
- Size
- 11 to 15 mm in length
- Lifespan
- 1 to 2 months as an adult; up to 1 year total lifespan.
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat destruction, pesticide application in agricultural and urban gardens, and drainage of wetlands.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. This species is a stingless bee-mimic that cannot sting or bite. Safe to observe at any distance. If one lands on you, it is likely seeking moisture or salt from your sweat and will fly off on its own.
Eristalis similis is a European species of hoverfly.
Photo: Kostas Zontanos, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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