Botflies, anyone?

[Snowfire]

OK -- So I'm going to Roatan (Fantasy Island) in May, and know about the usual mosquito and sandfly annoyances, but what about botflies? Has this been an issue for anyone?

I'm not worried; just curious.....
:martian:

 

[TSandM]

I grew up with botflies in Northern California. They tormented the horses, but left the people alone. If it's the same kind of bug, it's not an issue for people.

 

[slingshot]

I have heard of human infestations with botflies, but I don't think this occurs in the US (hopefully not here in Nor Cal). I recall a biologist friend saying it was a mark of distinction among entomologists to hatch your own botfly. From your own flesh.

 

[Doc]

The Sand Flies, as far as I could determine, ate all of the Botflies. i also believe that the relative dearth of cats is directly related to the large bats you'll see (that also eat the sand flies).

Just my thoughts.

 

[Snowfire]

RoatanMan -- Sounds like the "Circle of Life" is complete, then.

Slingshot -- Ick!

TS & M -- I'm talking about the human botfly: Dermatobia hominis, which is found mostly in Central America.

A local story:
Aspen Times News for Aspen Colorado - News

More info:
Human Botfly, Bot Fly, Botflies, Torsalo, Dermatobia hominis

Note: these links are not for the squeamish.

 

[booth22]

No botfly stories, but don't get bit by a "doctor fly", ouch!


yellow fly - Diachlorus ferrugatus

 

[scubaskipper]

Had a friend go on a trip to the Amazon and come back with on on her head. The locals told her to put a piece of raw meat on her head and the thing would go into the meat. The doctor cut it out after she got back home. I don't think she felt like it was any kind of distinction. It's always funnier when it happens to somebody else.