Botfly Collection

The anus of a bot fly
Scanning electron microscope image of the anus of a bot fly. Image on display in the Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum, London

Cephalopina titillator, camel nasal botfly larvae
Specimen of a camel nasal botfly (Cephalopina titillator) larvae collected from a camels nostrils, Chad, Africa. Photographed by Martin Hall

Dermatobia hominis, human botfly
Second stage of the human botfly (Dermatobia hominis) in leg - contracted in Bolivia. Photographed by Martin Hall

Gasterophilus, horse botfly
The larva of the horse botfly (Gasterophilus) which upon hatching migrate internally where they grow and attach themselves to the stomach wall of horses. Photographed by Martin Hall

Dermatobia hominis, botfly
The larvae of the flesh eating botfly found on a cow, near Pelotas, Brazil. Photographed by Martin Hall

Development of the horse botfly. Drawing, 1904
HORSE BOTFLY. Development of the horse botfly. Drawing, 1904

Insect illustrations, 1823 C017 / 8066
Insect illustrations, 19th century. These insects include (from top to bottom): two mantids (Mantis oratoria, now Iris oratoria; and Mantis siccifolia), a cricket (Gryllus montrosus)

Horse botfly larvae C016 / 5712
Horse botfly (Gasterophilus sp.). Specimen of hose botfly larvae attached to the stomach wall of a horse

Oestridae, botfly larva
Scanning electron microscope image of a botfly larva. They are parasites feeding on skin in the case of warble flies, nostrils in the flies that affect sheep and deer

Gyrostigma rhinocerontis, rhinoceros stomach botfly
A rhinoceros stomach botfly, collected from Natal collected in October 1995

Dermatobia hominis, botfly larva
2nd instar larva of the botfly (Dermatobia hominis). Collected from a cow, Brazil. Photographed by Martin Hall

Oestrus ovis, ship nasal botfly larva
A ship nasal botfly larva, a cause of myiasis extracted from a human eye in Kuwait. Photographed by Martin Hall

Kirkoestrus minutus, botfly
A mounted specimen of the botfly (Kirkoestrus minutus) found in Nwandsi, Kruger National Park. Photographed by Martin Hall

Cuterebra, rodent botfly
3rd instar or stage of the rodent botfly found on a spiny rat (Proechimys sp.) in French Guiana. Photographed by Martin Hall

Dermatobia hominis
A moounted specimen of a flesh eating botfly (Dermatobia hominis) found in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Photographed by Martin Hall

Dermatobia hominis, botfly eggs
Botfly (Dermatobia hominis) eggs on a host fly (Chrysops variegatus). Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Photographed by Martin Hall

Gyrostigma rhinocerontis, botfly maggot
A adult rhino botfly maggot (Gyrostigma rhinocerontis) extracted from a white rhino, Merseyside. Photographed by Martin Hall

Spiracles & gut from Dermatobia hominis
Spiracles and gut from botfly larva (Dermatobia hominis) extracted in London. Photographed by Martin Hall

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The botfly, also known as Dermatobia hominis, is a fascinating yet peculiar insect that has captured the attention of scientists and curious minds alike. This intriguing creature belongs to the Oestridae family and comes in various forms such as Cephalopina titillator, camel nasal botfly larvae, Gasterophilus, horse botfly, and even Gyrostigma rhinocerontis - the rhinoceros stomach botfly. One of the most astonishing aspects of the botfly's life cycle is its unique method of reproduction. Unlike other insects that lay eggs directly on their host's body or environment, female botflies deposit their eggs on vectors like mosquitoes or ticks. Once these unsuspecting carriers land on a suitable host - be it an animal or human - they unknowingly transfer these tiny larvae onto their skin. Once attached to its new home, the larva burrows into its host's flesh through an opening such as a hair follicle or pore. In humans specifically, this can include unimaginable locations like under our skin or even inside sensitive areas like nostrils. However bizarre it may sound, there have been reported cases where individuals have had to deal with infestations in rather uncomfortable places such as the anus. As time progresses within its newfound habitat, the larva develops into what can only be described as a grotesque sight. Its presence causes swelling and irritation around the area while feeding off tissue fluids for nourishment. Eventually reaching maturity within weeks or months depending on species variation. Despite their unsettling nature when encountered by humans and animals alike; however disturbing they may seem at first glance; we must remember that every organism plays a role in our ecosystem. These peculiar creatures are no exception – serving as both prey for predators higher up in food chains while simultaneously aiding in pollination processes.