Botfly

The botfly is a stout-bodied, hairy dipterous fly, known for its parasitic larvae, which infest humans and other mammals.

Description

Adult botflies are characterized by their stout bodies and hairy appearance. They belong to the family Oestridae, which includes several species that are all parasitic during the larval stage.

Life Cycle

Botfly eggs are typically deposited on a host directly or transported by a vector. Once the larvae hatch, they penetrate the skin of the host where they develop and feed on the host's flesh.

Hosts

While humans can be infested, botflies most commonly target other mammals, including horses, cattle, and rabbits. Human infestation, known as myiasis, although less common, can occur, especially in tropical regions.

Impact on Hosts

The presence of botfly larvae can cause severe irritation and health issues for the host. In humans, the condition can be painful and distressing but is rarely life-threatening.

See Also

• Parasites
• Myiasis
• Diptera
• Oestridae

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