New World Screwworm (Larva)

Tropical and subtropical regions; larvae are found in the living tissue of warm-blooded animals and wounds.

Obligatory parasite that feeds on the living tissue and fluids of warm-blooded mammals, including livestock and humans.

The female fly lays eggs at the edge of fresh wounds; larvae hatch and burrow deeply into the host's flesh to feed; they have a 'screw-like' shape with rings of spines to anchor themselves.

Significant veterinary and medical risk; causes painful infestations (myiasis) that can be fatal if untreated; highly destructive to livestock industries.