Subject: What’s this bug?
Location: Bathroom
July 10, 2017 3:04 am
Over the last couple of days I found two of these in the bath tub now another one on bathroom rug. I have scowerd the internet trying to identify this as would like to understand where it could be coming from. It has no legs. I’d be surprised if they entering through the high up bathroom window. Then I thought they coming through plug hole… but now I find one on the floor I’m not so sure. Would love to know if you can help. Many thanks. Jelena
Signature: Jels
Dear Jels,
The identification is easy, but your other theoretical questions are not quite as easy. This is a Rat-Tailed Maggot, the larva of a Drone Fly, and according to BugGuide: “larvae of most feed on decaying organic debris. They are filter feeders in different kinds of aquatic media. They purify water by filtering microorganisms and other products.” Since we don’t know where your bathroom is located: on the 37th floor of a high rise, in a basement, in Singapore or in New York, speculating on the point of entry is questionable, but we suspect they are breeding in your drain. If you are connected to a septic tank, this is even more likely. We suspect these Rat-Tailed Maggots are now seeking a drier environment so they can initiate pupation.