Rodent-parasite
Guides
Cuterebra
rodent bots, Glire Bot Flies
Cuterebra is a genus of New World bot flies (subfamily Cuterebrinae) comprising approximately 78 species that parasitize rodents and lagomorphs. Adults are large, robust flies resembling bumble bees, with non-functional mouthparts and short lifespans devoted entirely to reproduction. Females oviposit near host burrow entrances; larvae hatch in response to host body heat, enter through natural orifices or wounds, and develop subcutaneously for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil. The genus exhibits notable host specificity, with individual species typically restricted to single host species or closely related groups.
Cuterebra americana
woodrat bot fly
Cuterebra americana, the woodrat bot fly, is a New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. It is a parasitic species whose larvae develop subcutaneously in mammalian hosts. The species has been documented successfully developing in atypical hosts, including the black rat (Rattus rattus) in Florida. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and lack functional mouthparts, living only to reproduce.
Cuterebra approximata
bot fly, rodent bot fly
Cuterebra approximata is a New World skin bot fly (family Oestridae) whose natural host is the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). First instar larvae enter the host through the external auditory meatus and migrate to the dorsal body region, where they form subcutaneous warbles. Larvae develop through three instars from July through September before exiting to pupate in soil. Adults are extremely short-lived, lacking functional mouthparts, and are active for approximately two weeks in late June to early July.
Cuterebra fontinella
mouse bot fly
Cuterebra fontinella, commonly known as the mouse bot fly, is a New World oestrid fly that parasitizes small mammals, particularly the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). Adults are short-lived, non-feeding, and resemble bumble bees in appearance. Females lay eggs on vegetation near host burrows; larvae enter through natural orifices or wounds, migrate internally, and develop subcutaneous warbles typically located in the inguinal region. The species exhibits bimodal seasonal activity with summer and autumn population peaks. Though primarily a rodent parasite, rare human cases of myiasis have been documented.
Cuterebra fontinella fontinella
mouse bot fly, white-footed mouse bot fly
Cuterebra fontinella fontinella is a subspecies of New World bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes small mammals, primarily white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized, and lack functional mouthparts, living only briefly to reproduce. Females lay eggs near host burrow entrances; larvae hatch in response to host body heat, enter through orifices or wounds, and develop subcutaneously for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil. Despite forming conspicuous warbles that can reach 5% of host body weight, infections appear to have minimal negative impact on host survival and may even correlate with increased longevity in some populations.
Cuterebra fontinella grisea
Cuterebra fontinella grisea is a subspecies of New World skin bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes small mammals, particularly white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). The larvae develop subcutaneously in the host, forming large warbles that can reach 5% of the host's body weight. Despite the conspicuous nature of these parasitic infections, studies indicate that infected mice may actually live longer than non-infected individuals, suggesting a relatively benign host-parasite relationship attributed to long evolutionary co-adaptation. Adults are short-lived, lack functional mouthparts, and are rarely encountered in the field.
Cuterebra polita
Cuterebra polita is a New World skin bot fly whose larvae are obligate parasites of rodents. Adults are non-feeding and short-lived, lacking functional mouthparts. Larvae develop in subcutaneous warbles on host rodents, feeding on host tissues and fluids. The species has been documented in four rodent hosts in Florida: white-footed mouse, cotton mouse, eastern woodrat, and cotton rat.
Cuterebra tenebriformis
Cuterebra tenebrosa
rodent bot fly, pack rat botfly
Cuterebra tenebrosa, commonly known as the rodent bot fly or pack rat botfly, is a New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The species is a specialized parasite of bushy-tailed wood rats (Neotoma cinerea). Adult males exhibit distinctive territorial aggregation behavior near host habitats, establishing territories over heat-reflecting surfaces and engaging in aerial defense against intruders. The species demonstrates complex life history traits including temperature-dependent pupal diapause that can extend development up to two years.
Ornithonyssus bacoti
tropical rat mite
Ornithonyssus bacoti, commonly called the tropical rat mite, is a hematophagous mesostigmatid mite in the family Macronyssidae. It is an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite primarily associated with rats and other rodents, but will opportunistically bite humans and domestic animals when primary hosts are unavailable. The mite is of significant medical and veterinary importance due to its role in causing rat mite dermatitis in humans and its potential to vector several pathogens. It exhibits remarkable survival capabilities, traveling hundreds of feet to locate hosts and surviving extended periods without feeding.
Polyplacidae
spiny rat lice
Polyplacidae is a family of sucking lice (Anoplura) comprising approximately 193 species as of 2010. Members are obligate permanent ectoparasites of small mammals, with documented hosts including rodents (spiny rats, squirrels, pouched rats), lagomorphs (rabbits, hares), and primates (bushbabies, lemurs). The family exhibits cosmopolitan distribution. Molecular evidence suggests the family is paraphyletic and requires taxonomic revision.
Polyplax
Mouse Lice
Polyplax is a genus of sucking lice in the family Polyplacidae. Species are permanent ectoparasites of small mammals, primarily rodents. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. At least one species, Polyplax serrata, comprises distinct cryptic lineages with different host specificity strategies.