Cochliomyia

Cochliomyia

Cochliomyia hominivorax, commonly known as the New World screwworm fly

Cochliomyia is a genus of flies in the family Calliphoridae, commonly known as blowflies. There are several species within this genus, but the most well-known and economically significant species is Cochliomyia hominivorax, commonly known as the New World screwworm fly.

Description

Cochliomyia flies are medium-sized insects, typically measuring around 8-12 millimeters in length. They have a metallic blue or green coloration, with a distinctive bristly appearance. The larvae of Cochliomyia flies are known for their parasitic behavior, as they feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including humans and livestock.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Cochliomyia flies consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female flies lay their eggs on the edges of wounds or body openings of animals. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the host's flesh and begin to feed. The larvae go through three instars, or developmental stages, before they leave the host and pupate in the soil. After a period of pupation, the adult flies emerge and the cycle begins again.

Economic Impact

The New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a major pest of livestock in the Americas. The larvae of this species can cause severe damage to the skin and underlying tissues of animals, leading to significant economic losses in the agricultural industry. In addition to livestock, humans can also be affected by Cochliomyia infestations, particularly in cases of open wounds or poor hygiene.

Control and Prevention

Efforts to control and prevent Cochliomyia infestations involve a combination of methods. One approach is the use of sterile insect technique (SIT), where male flies sterilized through radiation are released into the wild to mate with wild females. This reduces the overall population and disrupts the reproductive cycle. Other methods include the use of insecticides, physical barriers, and improved animal husbandry practices.

See Also

• Calliphoridae
• Myiasis
• Sterile insect technique