Code QD899999

Muscid larvae occupy many terrestrial niches, with relatively few being aquatic. Larval muscids are typical maggots, tapered anteriorly and obtuse posteriorly. Larvae occur in rot holes, riparian margins and even riffle sections, where genera such as Limnophora are predators on other larval Diptera and oligochaetes.

Many aquatic larval muscids have several pairs of false legs (parapods) and long anal spiracular processes. Differentiation from other aquatic "higher" Diptera (Sciomyzids, Ephydrids, Syrphids) can be made by examining the paired posterior spiracles which are flush with the surface of the last segment (rather than on any tubular extension).

The aquatic muscids are predators on other benthic invertebrates.