Oestridae

Oestridae is a family of flies variously known as bot flies, warble flies, heel flies, gadflies, and similar names. Their larvae are internal parasites of mammals, some species growing in the host's flesh and others within the gut. The family includes about 150 species in 18 genera.

Description and lifecycle[edit | edit source]

Oestridae are medium to large flies, with robust bodies. The adults of many species have non-functional mouthparts and do not feed, living off the fat reserves they built up as larvae. The larvae of all species are obligate parasites, either in the body of the host, or in the host's nests or burrows. The larvae of most species are endoparasites of mammals, where they feed on the host's tissues.

Genera[edit | edit source]

The family Oestridae contains the following genera:

Cephenemyia - deer botflies
Cephalopina - camel botflies
Cuterebra - rodent and rabbit botflies
Gasterophilus - horse botflies
Hypoderma - cattle botflies
Oestrus - sheep botflies
Rhinoestrus - horse and donkey botflies
Physocephala - thick-headed flies

In human culture[edit | edit source]

In some areas, human infestation by the larvae of certain species of Oestridae is a common and significant cause of myiasis, a parasitic infestation of the body of a live mammal by fly larvae (maggots) that grow inside the host while consuming its tissue. As the larvae grow, they cause inflammation and the formation of pus-filled lesions.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Oestridae Resources
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