What Are Bot Fly Larvae?
WouterBot flies are small insects with a single pair of wings. They resemble bees in many ways, including their small antennae and large eyes. They lay their eggs on various species of blood-feeding insects. Once the insect carries the eggs to the host, the eggs hatch and the bot fly larvae enter the host’s blood stream.
There are about 150 species of bot flies, grouped in the subfamily Cuterebrinae. The females of these insects burrow under the skin of their host to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch when the host body warms up. This larva also infects livestock, including cattle and sheep.
Adult botflies emerge in summer after they emerge from the third stage of development and pass in feces. The life cycle of these insects is repeated every year. Most species of botflies are not harmful to humans, but their presence in the environment can cause a host’s discomfort or even death.
Bot flies are parasitic, which means that they need a suitable host in order to develop. While they are mostly parasitic on humans, there are also species that can live on other species of animals. The only species of botflies that can infect humans is Dermatobia hominis. The larvae of this fly live inside the host’s skin and gut. If you feel a lump, you may have botflies in your skin. Applying vaseline to the area where you feel a lump may kill the larva.
Although there are some treatments that can kill the larvae, they should not be used on the host rabbit. Killing the larvae will result in anaphylactic shock and can lead to a serious infection. The best option is to prevent botfly infestation by avoiding the areas where they live. Wear clothing that covers exposed skin and apply insect repellent on exposed areas.
