Botfly
Botfly
Botfly (boht-fly), also known as Dermatobia hominis, is a species of fly from the family Oestridae that is well-known for its parasitic nature in mammals, including humans.
Etymology
The term "botfly" is derived from the Middle English word "bot", meaning a maggot, and the Old English "fleoge", meaning a fly.
Description
Botflies are known for their unique lifecycle, which involves the parasitic infestation of mammalian hosts. The female botfly lays her eggs on a host, or on a vector such as a mosquito, which then transfers the eggs to the host. The larvae then burrow into the skin of the host, where they develop before emerging to pupate.
Symptoms and Treatment
Infestation by botflies, known as myiasis, can cause a range of symptoms including localized swelling, skin lesions, and even systemic effects if the larvae migrate internally. Treatment typically involves the removal of the larvae, often through minor surgery, and may also include antibiotic therapy to prevent secondary infection.
Related Terms
- Myiasis: The infestation of the body by fly larvae.
- Oestridae: The family of flies to which the botfly belongs.
- Parasitism: A relationship between two species where one benefits at the expense of the other.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Botfly
- Wikipedia's article - Botfly
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