Cottontail Rabbit Botfly

Cuterebra lepusculi

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cuterebra lepusculi: /kuˈtɛrɛbrə lɛˈpuskuli/

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

Images

Cuterebra lepusculi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Cuterebra lepusculi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Cuterebra lepusculi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Cuterebra lepusculi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Cuterebra lepusculi, known as the cottontail rabbit botfly, is a New World skin bot fly notable for its black coloration and distinctive red eyes in life. With a wide distribution across the western United States and its common host being cottontail rabbits, it’s not frequently seen despite its prevalence. Due to its parasitic lifecycle, it contributes to the ecological balance.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Cuterebra lepusculi are primarily black and distinguished by their red spots in the eyes, which disappear shortly after death. They exhibit a U-shaped white fringe on the mesoscutum and have multiple black dots on the white sides. Males are characterized by a specific spacing between the eyes.

Identification Tips

Look for the red spots in the eyes of live specimens, which distinguish them from other species. The U-shaped white fringe on the mesoscutum is a key identification feature.

Habitat

Cuterebra lepusculi is typically found in areas where its host species, cottontail rabbits, reside, which includes a variety of habitats from forests to grasslands.

Distribution

This species has a wide distribution, found from Washington State to South Dakota, and south to California and Texas.

Diet

As adults, Cuterebra lepusculi do not feed, while the larvae are parasitic and develop in the host (cottontail rabbits).

Life Cycle

The lifecycle involves the female laying eggs, which hatch into larvae that enter the host's skin and develop inside.

Reproduction

Details of the reproductive process are not provided, but typical reproduction involves oviposition on appropriate hosts.

Ecosystem Role

This species plays a role as a parasite, affecting populations of cottontail rabbits, which may have downstream effects on the ecosystem dynamics.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse this species with similar botflies, but the distinct eye color and body morphology help in accurate identification.

Tags

  • cuterebra
  • botfly
  • insecta
  • diptera
  • oestridae