Lucilia bufonivora

Moniez, 1876

toadfly

Lucilia bufonivora, commonly known as the toadfly, is a whose are obligate of amphibians. feed on pollen and nectar. The was historically considered Palearctic but is now established in North America, where it causes in anurans. Larvae typically enter through the nostrils of toads, eventually consuming , brain, and other tissues, leading to death.

Lucilia bufonivora by (c) Peter Chen 2.0, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter Chen 2.0. Used under a CC-BY license.Lucilia bufonivora (identification criteria) by James K. Lindsey (photographer) and Abalg (modifications). Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Lucilia bufonivora (Calliphoridae) - (larva), Elst (Gld), the Netherlands by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lucilia bufonivora: /luˈkɪliə ˌbjuːfɒnɪˈvɔːrə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

have large , bright metallic green and with bristly black hairs, and membranous translucent with dark . are creamy resembling those of carrionassociated . Distinguished from similar Lucilia by male , particularly structure; a to North species of the L. bufonivora group is available. Previously confused with L. silvarum and L. elongata in North America.

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Habitat

Associated with environments supporting amphibian ; found near flowers for nectar feeding. Larval development occurs within living anurans, primarily in nasal cavities and associated tissues.

Distribution

to northwestern Europe; established throughout southern Canada and North America. Records include Belgium, Denmark, and other European countries.

Diet

feed on pollen and nectar of flowers. are obligate feeding on living tissue of anuran , primarily common toad (Bufo bufo) but also other frog and toad .

Host Associations

  • Bufo bufo - primary - common toad feed on living flesh, causing death
  • Anura - - various frog and toad euryxenous , documented on multiple anuran

Life Cycle

lay near nostrils of weakened or injured toads, or in wounds. hatch and feed initially on nostril tissue, then migrate into nasal cavities. As they develop, larvae consume , brain, and other vital tissues. Temperaturesensitive: larvae thrive between 14°C and 29°C; below this range they cease feeding, exit , and burrow shallowly to hibernate. After host death and tissue consumption, larvae enter soil to pupate.

Behavior

females strategically oviposit near nostrils, showing preference for weakened or injured individuals. In the Netherlands, selectively targeted larger toads with no and very few oneyear-olds affected; 8% of examined toads were parasitized.

Ecological Role

of anurans with significant level impact on . Acts as a mortality factor for toads, particularly larger individuals.

Human Relevance

None direct; not used in (unlike L. sericata). Of medical interest as a cause of amphibian .

Similar Taxa

  • Lucilia silvarumPreviously confused with L. bufonivora in North America; now considered strictly in North America rather than parasitic
  • Lucilia elongataExceedingly rare historically confused with L. bufonivora; unknown
  • Lucilia sericataCongeneric green bottle used in medical ; /predatory on necrotic tissue rather than obligate of living

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Sources and further reading