Cuterebra austeni
Sabrosky, 1986
Cuterebra austeni is a of New World skin in the . The are large, -sized with distinctive black and coloration. Like other Cuterebra species, adults lack functional mouthparts and live only briefly, fueled entirely by larval fat reserves. The species has been documented exhibiting in Arizona, where males gather at elevated sites to locate females.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cuterebra austeni: //ˌkjuːtəˈreɪbrə ˈɔːstɛnaɪ//
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Distribution
Documented in Arizona, USA, specifically at Sentinel Peak ("A" Mountain) near Tucson. The broader geographic range of this has not been well characterized in available sources.
Seasonality
have been observed in late March in Arizona. Specific patterns are not well documented.
Diet
do not feed; they lack functional mouthparts. are subdermal of mammals, though the specific (s) of C. austeni have not been confirmed in available sources.
Behavior
Males exhibit , gathering at elevated sites such as mountain summits to locate females. Males are known to defend territories and will jet off at high speed when startled or when detecting rivals or females, eventually returning to the same or nearby locations. They allow close approach when not disturbed, conserving limited energy reserves.
Similar Taxa
- Cuterebra spp.Other Cuterebra share the general -mimic appearance, large size, and subdermal parasitic larval lifestyle. C. austeni is distinguished by its specific black and coloration pattern, though precise differentiating features from are not detailed in available sources.
- Cuterebra abdominalisAnother large Cuterebra with -like appearance. C. abdominalis is specific to lagomorphs (rabbits) and has been described as having more pronounced ; C. austeni differs in its black and coloration versus the more typical and black banding of many .