Cuterebra buccata

(Fabricius, 1775)

rabbit bot fly

Cuterebra buccata is a New World bot fly in the Oestridae, commonly known as the rabbit bot fly. are large, -sized flies that lack functional mouthparts and do not feed. The is -specific to lagomorphs, particularly cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Larvae develop subcutaneously in warbles, feeding on host fluids rather than tissue. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and have short lifespans focused on .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cuterebra buccata: /kuːˈtɛrɛbrə bʌˈkɑːtə/

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Identification

are distinguished from other Cuterebra by red bands in the , a characteristic of rabbit-infesting species in the . The is formed from the sclerotized of the last larval instar. Adults are large and robust, superficially resembling bumble bees in size and general form. Larvae are large, -like maggots that develop in subcutaneous warbles on the .

Habitat

are found in open sandy areas and glade edges where rabbit are active. Larvae inhabit subcutaneous tissue of cottontail rabbits. occurs in soil.

Distribution

Eastern North America; recorded from Virginia, Missouri, and Vermont in the United States. Associated with eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) throughout its range.

Seasonality

activity has been observed in April and May. Larval in peaks in late summer. Adults overwinter as pupae in soil.

Diet

Larvae feed on fluids and exudates within subcutaneous warbles. lack functional mouthparts and do not feed.

Host Associations

Sylvilagus floridanus - primary eastern cottontail rabbit; larvae develop in subcutaneous warbles

Life Cycle

Females oviposit near rabbit burrow entrances. hatch in response to body heat. First instar larvae penetrate host skin and migrate to subcutaneous sites, forming warbles. Three larval instars develop over approximately one month. Mature third instar larvae exit the host, drop to the ground, and burrow into soil to pupate. emerge from and live only briefly to mate.

Behavior

are rarely encountered and short-lived, with focused on . Larvae actively penetrate skin and migrate to preferred subcutaneous locations. Mature larvae exit warbles and drop to ground for .

Ecological Role

of cottontail rabbits. Relationship with is relatively benign due to long evolutionary history; are not thought to negatively impact host survival and may even correlate with increased longevity in some studies. Potential role in through sublethal effects on host condition.

Human Relevance

No direct human ; -specific to lagomorphs. May cause concern among rabbit hunters encountering larvae during skinning. Research subject for studies of host- and myiasis.

Similar Taxa

Cuterebra abdominalisAlso a rabbit bot fly with similar specificity and mimicry; distinguished by subtle morphological differences and geographic distribution patterns
Cuterebra fontinellaParasitizes rodents rather than lagomorphs; causes similar warble formation in white-footed mice and other small mammals
Dermatobia hominisHuman bot fly of Central and South America; broader range and more pathogenic relationship with hosts; uses phoretic mosquitoes to deliver