Cochliomyia

Townsend, 1915

New World screwworm flies, screwworm flies

Cochliomyia is a of blowflies ( ) comprising four : C. macellaria, C. hominivorax, C. aldrichi, and C. . The genus is commonly known as New World , distinguished from Old World screwworms. C. hominivorax, the primary screwworm, is an obligate whose feed on living tissue, causing severe in livestock, wildlife, and humans. C. macellaria, the secondary screwworm, feeds only on necrotic tissue and carrion. The primary screwworm has been eradicated from North America through the technique, though it persists in parts of Central and South America.

Cochliomyia macellaria by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Cochliomyia macellaria by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.

Cochliomyia by (c) Kathleen Franklin, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cochliomyia: //ˌkoʊ.kli.oʊˈmaɪ.jə//

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Images

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical environments with warm, humid conditions. thrive in areas supporting livestock and wildlife that provide wound sites for . C. macellaria is associated with carrion, garbage, and decomposing matter.

Distribution

to the Americas. C. macellaria occurs throughout northern South America, Central America, Caribbean Islands, the United States, and southern Canada. C. hominivorax has been eradicated from the United States, Mexico, and much of Central America through technique programs, but persists in in parts of Central and South America. A permanent sterile barrier is maintained in eastern Panama to prevent northward reinfestation.

Human Relevance

C. hominivorax is a major veterinary and medical pest causing primary in livestock, wildlife, and humans. The was eradicated from North America through a sustained technique program, saving an estimated $1.3 billion annually in livestock damage. The 2016 Florida demonstrated ongoing reinvasion risk. C. macellaria has forensic importance for postmortem interval and was historically used in surgical for debridement of necrotic wounds.

Misconceptions

The term '' is often applied indiscriminately to both C. hominivorax and C. macellaria, leading to confusion. C. macellaria, the secondary screwworm, is frequently blamed for damage actually caused by C. hominivorax. Unlike the primary screwworm, C. macellaria cannot initiate in healthy tissue and poses minimal risk to living animals. The negative connotation of 'screwworm' has impeded recognition of C. macellaria's role in carrion decomposition and its historical medical applications.