Phytomia errans, part of the Rat-tail Maggot Fly group, belongs to the family Syrphidae. These flies are named for their larvae, which have a distinctive long, tail-like breathing tube that extends from their rear, allowing them to breathe while submerged in water or sludge.
Rat-tail Maggot Flies
Phytomia errans
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Arthropoda
CLASS
:
Insecta
ORDER
:
Diptera
FAMILY
:
Syrphidae
GENUS
:
Phytomia
SPECIES
:
Phytomia errans
Other Information
Venomous?
Rat-tail Maggot Flies, including Phytomia errans, do not possess any form of poison or venom and are harmless in terms of chemical defense.
A Danger to Humans?
There is no direct danger to humans from Phytomia errans. They are non-aggressive, do not bite or sting, and their presence is generally more of an indicator of water quality or the presence of organic material rather than a health threat.
Population Status
Specific data on the population size of Phytomia errans is not widely available. However, like many other species within the Syrphidae family, they tend to be abundant in suitable environments.
Life Span:
The life cycle of Phytomia errans from egg to adult can vary but typically spans a few months, depending on environmental conditions. Adult flies generally live a few weeks, sufficient time to reproduce and lay eggs.
Weight and Length:
As a medium-sized fly, adults can measure around 10-15 mm in length. Their weight is minimal, typical for flies of their size.
Distribution:
While detailed distribution data for Phytomia errans specifically may be limited, Rat-tail Maggot Flies are commonly found in diverse environments ranging from heavily polluted waters to clean streams, mainly in temperate and subtropical regions.
Habits and Lifestyle:
These flies are adapted to life in and around water bodies with high levels of organic pollution. The larvae thrive in such environments, utilizing their rat-tail for respiration while submerged in oxygen-poor waters.
Diet and Nutrition:
Larvae of Phytomia errans consume organic debris and microorganisms in the water, playing a role in breaking down environmental waste. Adults typically feed on nectar and are often seen hovering near flowers.
Mating Habits:
Mating for Phytomia errans occurs in the air or on nearby vegetation. Females lay eggs in or near water bodies rich in organic matter, ensuring that their larvae have immediate access to food resources. This life cycle supports rapid population turnover in suitable conditions.