rattail

Rattail, or rat-tail, is a term used for several unrelated things that share a tail-like feature. It does not refer to a single entity but to multiple objects across botany, entomology, and fashion.

In botany, rat-tail cactus refers to Aporocactus flagelliformis, a species native to Mexico. It is a trailing cactus with slender, cylindrical stems that can spill over pots or hanging baskets. It produces bright pink to red flowers and is valued as a decorative, easy-care indoor plant.

In entomology, rat-tail maggots are the larval stage of certain hoverflies (family Syrphidae). They have an elongated, telescope-like posterior breathing tube that resembles a rat’s tail, enabling them to live in moist, low-oxygen environments such as stagnant water or decaying organic matter. They are often found in wetlands and polluted habitats and can be indicators of environmental conditions.

In fashion and hairstyling, the rat-tail hairstyle features a long strand of hair extending from the back of the head, creating a tail-like effect. The look has appeared in various forms at different times, notably gaining popularity in some periods of the late 20th century and reappearing in contemporary styles in modified versions.

The term rattail likewise reflects the visual association of these items with a tail, rather than signifying a single, shared identity across disciplines.