Botfly
- Pronunciation
- /BOT-flai/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Botfly
- Plural
- Botflies
Definition
A type of parasitic fly known for its larval stage, which infests the tissues of mammals, including humans, causing myiasis.
Etymology
From Middle English 'bot', meaning a maggot, and 'fly', from Old English 'flēoge'.
Example
The human botfly, Dermatobia hominis, is known to infest human skin, causing painful lesions.
Synonyms
- Warble fly
- Gadfly
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Botflies are identified by their unique life cycle, involving a stage as an internal parasite. Proper care should be taken to remove the larvae to prevent infection.