In this case, we see Dr. Chaccour applying an occlusive paste to 'suffocate' the botfly and facilitate its removal. Any type of thick paste will work - even bacon fat. Although we can't see the respiratory spicules, this fly larvae can be identified by the following features:
1. Robust (broad) body, often tapered at the terminal end (especially in earlier instars).
2. Concentric rows of spines on all but the terminal 3 body segments.
3. Found in Central and South America and the Caribbean
4. Causes furuncular myiasis (non-migratory boils)
Jon pointed out an excellent web page on this insect by the University of Florida. I'd encourage you to check it out - it has some beautiful images of the different instar stages.
1 comment:
Found one of these in our RV toilet. I don't know if it hatched in there or came from one of the family?
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