Quck answer
Botflies are parasitic insects that lay their eggs on human or animal skin. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the skin and develop under it, causing painful and itchy symptoms. The larvae feed on the host’s tissue and can cause infections or even death if left untreated. Botflies are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions and can be prevented by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. If you suspect botfly infestation, seek medical attention immediately to remove the larvae and prevent further complications.
Wildlife
During summer, the horse botfly (Gasterophilus intestinalis) is highly active and resembles a bumblebee. JanetGraham/Flickr/(CC BY 2.0)
Parasites are intriguing, but their “yuck” factor makes them repugnant. Did you know that a beef tapeworm can grow up to 82 feet (25 meters) in length? Or that the spiky parasite Pomphorhynchus laevis inspired a novel surgical microneedle patch? However, botflies aren’t one to mess with. These insects reside inside mammalian hosts during their larval stage. Dermatobia hominis, commonly known as the “human botfly,” specifically targets humans but not exclusively.
Removing botfly larvae is best left to professionals, as the process requires specific tools, which might surprise you.
The Abundance of Botflies
Botflies belong to the insect order Diptera, which means “two wings” in Greek. This order includes several Dipterans that are flightless, but those that can fly have only one pair of wings. On the other hand, butterflies and grasshoppers have four wings.
Approximately 160 species of botflies are found worldwide, with most residing in the Western Hemisphere. They tend to be specialists, with the rhinoceros botfly, Africa’s largest fly species, targeting only white and black rhinos for offspring hosts. Other botflies have evolved to target horses, camels, cattle, reindeer, and various rodents.
Typically, adult botflies remain close to their host species, but larvae can survive on alternative hosts if necessary. However, it often ends poorly for one or both parties. For instance, the North American woodrat botfly usually lays its larvae in indigenous pack rats and eastern woodrats. However, it has recently begun infecting roof rats brought over by human settlers. Biologists have discovered that the insect’s offspring cause significantly more tissue damage when they grow up inside roof rats than in native species. On the other hand, botfly larvae raised in atypical hosts do not always reach maturity.
Delivering the Goods
Before larvae can hatch, the eggs must be laid in the right location, which varies by species. Horse botflies attach fresh eggs to strands of hair on passing equines. When the hoofed host licks the eggs off, the larvae hatch and settle in the horse’s mouth, eventually entering the stomach. By clinging to the gastrointestinal tract, the parasites slowly mature into pupae that leave through the anus, burrow in soil (or poop), and metamorphose into adult flies.
Other botflies have indirect methods. Rodent-targeting species lay their eggs in the dens or nests of potential hosts. Sheep botflies take a shortcut, as their eggs hatch inside the mother’s body. Once that’s over, the mother insect places her offspring on a sheep’s nose to fend for themselves.
Meanwhile, the human botfly prefers outsourcing.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has created a graphic that illustrates the life cycle of the human botfly. The human botfly is native to Central and South America and resembles a bumblebee. The adult insect is about 0.47 to 0.71 inches (12 to 18 millimeters) long and has orange legs and blue-gray abdomens. The female botfly attaches its eggs to a passing tick or mosquito, and when that mosquito bites a human, the botfly’s eggs hatch, and the larvae burrow into the person’s skin. The larvae feed on proteins, dead cells, and fluids secreted by pores or inflamed wounds. The larvae breathe through two openings on their hindquarters called “spiracles.” After around 30 days, the larvae will crawl out and change into an adult fly.
If you become a carrier of botfly spawn, do not remove them on your own. The larvae have sharp little spikes that can break off and cause infection. Instead, seek out a trained physician who can remove the larvae with anesthesia and a scalpel. Other methods include using blunt instruments to squeeze down on either side of the botfly’s hole until the pressure forces it out. Doctors might also cut off the larva’s air supply by blocking its spiracles with a thick object. A slab of bacon or steak pressed onto the wound can also get the job done. Humans aren’t the only ones that can end up with botflies inside them; horse, sheep, and reindeer botflies can also infect people.
FAQ
1. What is a botfly?
A botfly is a type of parasitic insect that lays its eggs on a host, usually a mammal. The eggs hatch into larvae that burrow into the host’s skin and feed on its flesh to grow.
2. Where are botflies found?
Botflies are found in many parts of the world, including Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. They prefer warm and humid climates and are most commonly found in rural areas.
3. How do botflies get under your skin?
Botflies lay their eggs on a host’s skin, often using another insect, such as a mosquito, to deposit the eggs. The warmth of the host’s body causes the eggs to hatch, and the larvae burrow into the skin to continue their development.
4. What are the symptoms of a botfly infestation?
The symptoms of a botfly infestation include a raised, red bump on the skin that may be painful or itchy. As the larvae grow, they can cause more severe symptoms, such as swelling, fever, and infection.
5. How are botfly infestations treated?
Botfly infestations can be treated by killing the larvae and removing them from the skin. This can be done by applying petroleum jelly or other substances to suffocate the larvae, or by surgically removing them. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat any resulting infections.
6. Can botflies infect humans with diseases?
While botflies do not typically transmit diseases to humans, their bites can cause infections and other complications. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a botfly infestation.
7. How can you prevent botfly infestations?
To prevent botfly infestations, it is important to avoid areas where the flies are common. Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, to reduce your risk of being bitten. Keep your skin clean and dry to make it less attractive to botflies.
8. Are there any natural remedies for botfly infestations?
While there are no proven natural remedies for botfly infestations, some people believe that applying certain substances, such as vinegar or tea tree oil, to the affected area can help suffocate the larvae and speed up the healing process. However, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a botfly infestation to ensure proper treatment.
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