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Secondary screwworm

Secondary screwworm

Cochliomyia macellaria

A species of New world screwworm flies

Cochliomyia macellaria is a fly species from the family of bluebottles (Calliphoridae). The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1775 by Fabricius.

Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
Does Secondary screwworm consume human blood?
Hematophagy
How Does the Secondary screwworm Practice Parasitism?
Parasite
General Info About Secondary screwworm
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Attributes of Secondary screwworm
Colors
Black
Green
Red
Blue
Habitat
every terrestrial habitat
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, plant exudates, fruit juices, fecal matter, decaying matter
Larva Food Source
Dead animals, decaying organic matter, open wounds of mammals, decomposing vegetable matter, carrion
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Secondary screwworm is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
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Life Cycle of Secondary screwworm
Egg The egg stage of secondary screwworm involves small, oval eggs typically laid in decaying materials. These eggs are whitish and lack distinct features, but are the precursors to larval forms.
Larva During this stage, the secondary screwworm appears as a legless maggot, growing rapidly in size. Its color is usually a creamy white to yellowish, representing the feeding and developmental phase.
Pupal The secondary screwworm forms a pupa within a dark brown to black puparium. At this stage, transformation occurs, with significant changes in internal structure, though the pupa remains immobile.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult secondary screwworm has a hardened exoskeleton, with distinct black, blue, or green metallic coloring. Fully formed wings and functional reproductive organs mark this stage.
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Adult Size of Secondary screwworm
5 - 8 mm
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Predators of Secondary screwworm Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, beetles, ants
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Predators of Adult Secondary screwworm
Birds, spiders, mantises, frogs, lizards
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Interesting Facts About Secondary screwworm
Secondary screwworm larvae can help determine the time of death in forensic cases, aiding in criminal investigations.
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Scientific Classification of Secondary screwworm
Tips for Finding Secondary screwworm
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How Can You Attract Secondary screwworm
Raw meat or fish can be used as effective bait to trap secondary screwworm due to their attraction to decomposing organic matter.
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Habitat Preferences of Secondary screwworm Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of secondary screwworm are deposited in wounds or around the orifices of living or deceased animals where fresh tissue is present. The larvae, or maggots, are typically found in decaying flesh, feeding voraciously, which is essential for their growth. To pupate, they leave the carcass and bury themselves in surrounding soil. Adult secondary screwworm flies are generally found near environments with decomposing organic matter, such as carcasses, but they are also attracted to open wounds in animals, where they can reproduce, continuing their life cycle. To search for these stages, one would visit open fields, farms, or forests with decomposing matter or inspect animals with wounds.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Secondary screwworm
The most suitable time to find adult secondary screwworm is during the warmer hours of the day when they are most active, whereas larvae may be collected at any time as long as the bait is decomposing.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Secondary screwworm
Warm, sunny, and humid conditions are ideal for locating adult secondary screwworm as they thrive in such environments. However, excessive rainfall can reduce their activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Secondary screwworm at Different Life Stages
Egg Secondary screwworm eggs are typically laid in decaying flesh or excrement. To find them, search these materials using gloves and a magnifying glass, being careful not to disturb the environment.
Larva Secondary screwworm larvae, also known as maggots, are found in decaying organic matter. Locate these by examining exposed or rotting meat or carcasses, using tools to sift through the material safely.
Pupal Secondary screwworm pupae usually reside in soil or drier areas near decomposing material. Find these by carefully sifting through soil or debris within a few inches of the ground surface, typically adjacent to the larval food source.
Adult Secondary screwworm adults are typically seen flying near potential egg-laying sites or feeding. Use a net to safely catch them during their peak activity times in sunny, open areas.
Are Secondary screwworm harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Secondary screwworm
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Pathogenic
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Cause Disease in Humans

Secondary screwworm is linked to secondary myiasis, where it infests wounds and necrotic tissue. Humans may contract diseases when larvae infest open sores, potentially causing tissue damage if not promptly treated. Symptoms vary from mild irritation to severe systemic infection. Although rare, extensive infestations can result in serious complications.

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Does Secondary screwworm consume human blood?

Secondary screwworm do not feed on blood directly but are scavengers, consuming decomposing flesh of dead animals, where ingesting blood is incidental. This behavior can affect the decomposition rate of carcasses, influencing nutrient cycling and possibly disease transmission in ecosystems.

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How Does the Secondary screwworm Practice Parasitism?

Secondary screwworm larvae infest wounds or orifices of living animals, causing myiasis. They feed on host tissues, causing discomfort and infections. This obligatory parasitism benefits secondary screwworm by providing nutrition, but can lead to severe health issues or even death for the hosts.

More Effects of Secondary screwworm

Beneficial Effects of Secondary screwworm
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Decomposers
Decomposers
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains, Animal Feces, Food Waste, Garbage
Secondary screwworm larvae play a crucial role in breaking down and recycling organic material. In their larval stage, they feast on a variety of decaying matter including dead animals, plants, and even waste products. These larvae possess strong digestive enzymes capable of breaking down tough materials and converting them into nutrients that enrich the soil. The process undertaken by secondary screwworm helps cycle nutrients back into the ecosystem, making them essential players in nature's cleanup crew.
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