Human Botfly

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, particularly in humid lowland forests.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae (maggots) are parasitic and feed on the living tissue and fluids of mammals, including humans. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not feed.

Behavior Patterns

Adults capture blood-sucking insects (like mosquitoes) and attach eggs to them. When the carrier insect bites a host, the botfly larvae hatch and burrow into the host's skin to develop through three instars before dropping out to pupate in the soil.

Risks & Benefits

Causes myiasis, characterized by a painful, discharging boil-like lesion (as seen in the image). It can lead to secondary infections. It provides no direct benefit to humans and is considered a parasite.

Identified on: 3/11/2026