1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Veterinary Medicine
Correct!

A Cuterebra parasite is an opportunistic larval parasite found under the skin. Cuterebra are also known as botflies, and they are opportunistic in that they use the small mammals (dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels, etc.) to complete their life cycle.

The adult files are large and do not feed on or bite animals. Eggs are deposited around burrows and low-lying vegetation, stones, and objects. The eggs stick on the animal host as the host passes by, and then the eggs hatch in response to the body heat of the animal. The hatched larvae enter the body through the mouth or nose during grooming, or less commonly, through an open wound in the animal. The larvae then migrate to specific areas on the body under the skin. The larvae make a small hole in the skin to breathe, and roughly 30 days later, they exit the animal host, pupate on the ground, and become an adult fly.

See what they are saying in the Forum about Cuterebra:
Worm burrowed in dog's skin?

For more on veterinary parasites:
Parasites - Cat
Parasites - Dog
Parasites - Other

Next Question -->

 

Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name
Email

Cat Diseases A - Z | Dog Diseases A - Z

Previous Features - Check out other articles from your Guide
Veterinary Medicine Home Page - Main page for VetMed at About.com
Library of Topics - Browse the site library of topics

 

Explore Veterinary Medicine

About.com Special Features

Home Allergy Center

Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

Home Improvements Made Easy

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Veterinary Medicine

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.