Rat-Tailed Maggots (IMAGE) Entomological Society of America Caption These are rat-tailed maggots, the immature stage of the drone fly (Eristalis tenax). The "tails" are actually breathing apparatuses. Credit Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bugwood.org (http://www.bugwood.org). Usage Restrictions Must cite Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bugwood.org (http://www.bugwood.org). License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.