Hypoderma

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hypoderma: /haɪpoʊˈdɜːrmə/

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Summary

Hypoderma is a genus of parasitic flies known as warble flies, which infest large mammals such as cattle and deer. Their larvae cause considerable damage to livestock and have been known to affect humans in rare cases.

Physical Characteristics

Adult warble flies are large, hairy, and resemble bumblebees, with colors ranging from brown, orange, to yellow. They possess vestigial mouthparts and therefore cannot feed during their short lifespans, which can be as little as five days.

Identification Tips

Common species include Hypoderma bovis (ox warble fly), Hypoderma lineatum (cattle warble fly), and Hypoderma tarandi (reindeer warble fly).

Habitat

Found on all continents of the Northern Hemisphere, mainly between 25° and 60° latitude, usually in association with large domesticated animals.

Distribution

Global distribution primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in areas where large herbivores are present.

Diet

Adults do not feed due to vestigial mouthparts; larvae are parasitic and feed on tissues of host animals.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid on the forelegs of large animals; after hatching, larvae penetrate the skin and migrate through connective tissues, returning to the skin after several months to form warbles.

Reproduction

The fly lays eggs on the forelegs of large animals. Upon hatching, larvae penetrate the skin.

Predators

Various birds and other insects may prey on adult flies.

Ecosystem Role

As parasites, they play a role in regulating host populations, but they can also cause significant harm to livestock.

Economic Impact

Infestations can damage cattle hides, hinder animal weight gain and growth, and potentially reduce milk yields.

Health Concerns

Infestations can lead to myiasis, including rare cases such as intracerebral myiasis in humans, as well as potential eye infestations causing uveitis and other serious conditions.

Collecting Methods

• Using insect nets to capture adults in infested areas
• Trapping with baited traps for adult flies

Preservation Methods

• Pinning
• Ethanol preservation

Similar Taxa

• Oestrus (genus)
• Dermatobia hominis (botfly)

Misconceptions

Warble flies are often confused with other types of flies; clarity regarding their specific ecological role and the significant harm they can cause is often lacking.

Tags

• Diptera
• Oestridae
• Parasitic Insects
• Cattle Grubs
• Warble Flies