Bot Fly Collection

The anus of a bot fly
Scanning electron microscope image of the anus of a bot fly. Image on display in the Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum, London

Cephalopina titillator, camel nasal botfly larvae
Specimen of a camel nasal botfly (Cephalopina titillator) larvae collected from a camels nostrils, Chad, Africa. Photographed by Martin Hall

Dermatobia hominis, human botfly
Second stage of the human botfly (Dermatobia hominis) in leg - contracted in Bolivia. Photographed by Martin Hall

Gasterophilus, horse botfly
The larva of the horse botfly (Gasterophilus) which upon hatching migrate internally where they grow and attach themselves to the stomach wall of horses. Photographed by Martin Hall

Dermatobia hominis, botfly
The larvae of the flesh eating botfly found on a cow, near Pelotas, Brazil. Photographed by Martin Hall

Horse botfly larvae C016 / 5712
Horse botfly (Gasterophilus sp.). Specimen of hose botfly larvae attached to the stomach wall of a horse

Oestridae, botfly larva
Scanning electron microscope image of a botfly larva. They are parasites feeding on skin in the case of warble flies, nostrils in the flies that affect sheep and deer

Gyrostigma rhinocerontis, rhinoceros stomach botfly
A rhinoceros stomach botfly, collected from Natal collected in October 1995

Dermatobia hominis, botfly larva
2nd instar larva of the botfly (Dermatobia hominis). Collected from a cow, Brazil. Photographed by Martin Hall

Oestrus ovis, ship nasal botfly larva
A ship nasal botfly larva, a cause of myiasis extracted from a human eye in Kuwait. Photographed by Martin Hall

Kirkoestrus minutus, botfly
A mounted specimen of the botfly (Kirkoestrus minutus) found in Nwandsi, Kruger National Park. Photographed by Martin Hall

Cuterebra, rodent botfly
3rd instar or stage of the rodent botfly found on a spiny rat (Proechimys sp.) in French Guiana. Photographed by Martin Hall

Dermatobia hominis
A moounted specimen of a flesh eating botfly (Dermatobia hominis) found in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Photographed by Martin Hall

Dermatobia hominis, botfly eggs
Botfly (Dermatobia hominis) eggs on a host fly (Chrysops variegatus). Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Photographed by Martin Hall

Gyrostigma rhinocerontis, botfly maggot
A adult rhino botfly maggot (Gyrostigma rhinocerontis) extracted from a white rhino, Merseyside. Photographed by Martin Hall

Spiracles & gut from Dermatobia hominis
Spiracles and gut from botfly larva (Dermatobia hominis) extracted in London. Photographed by Martin Hall

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"Discovering the Intriguing World of Bot Flies: From Anus to Nasal Passages" Did you know that bot flies, also known as Oestridae, are a fascinating group of insects with diverse species and intriguing life cycles? These unique creatures have adapted to various hosts, including humans, horses, camels, and even rhinoceroses. One notable member is the Cephalopina titillator or camel nasal botfly larvae. As its name suggests, this particular species infests the nasal passages of camels. Similarly, Dermatobia hominis targets humans as their preferred host - an unsettling thought indeed. The horse botfly (Gasterophilus) larvae pose a threat to equines worldwide. The life cycle of these botflies begins when adult females lay eggs on suitable surfaces close to potential hosts. Once hatched, the larvae attach themselves externally or internally depending on the species. For instance, Dermatobia hominis burrows into human skin while Gasterophilus prefers attaching itself to horse stomach linings. As peculiar as it may sound, some bot fly larvae can be found near their host's anus too. This adaptation allows them easy access for feeding and growth before eventually detaching and pupating in soil or other protected environments. Amongst all these different types of botflies mentioned earlier – from camel nasal bots to human-infesting ones – one thing remains constant: their ability to adapt and survive within their chosen hosts' bodies. It serves as a reminder that nature's diversity never ceases to amaze us. So next time you come across any mention of "bot flies, " remember there is more than meets the eye - from Dermatobia hominis causing discomfort in humans to Gyrostigma rhinocerontis residing in rhinoceros stomachs. These incredible creatures continue to captivate scientists and entomology enthusiasts alike with their unique adaptations and life cycles.