Posted by Lisa Rayburn on November 18, 2007

Q: I found hundreds of small (3-6 mm) caterpillar shaped organisms in the water in the lid of the pool mixed in with leaves. They are transparent but have two light gray squiggles down their backs (intestines??) and debri looking stuff all over their bodies. They also have a long tail-like structure that stretches up to the surface of the water. I've looked up and searched every phrase I can think of with these guys but can not figure out what they are! If you need pictures, I did save a few in a jar and I could snap a few if you think that would help.

State: Texas

A: You've found a group of rattailed maggots. These are the larval stage of the Drone Fly that looks a lot like a Green Bottle Fly. Rattailed maggots often are found in water that is stagnant with very little oxygen content. They use that long "tail" as a snorkel for reaching the surface for oxygen. Check out this website to find out more about these insects at: ipm.ncsu.edu

Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( November 19, 2007)