Caption: Fly larva / maggot from an animal wound (Blow fly, Bluebottle fly - Calliphora spp.). Dipteran flies lay eggs on an animal if opportunity arises due to a wound or infection. The eggs develop into the larval maggots and they useshooks to attach to the flesh on which it feeds. Its mouth is seen located the hooks. Secreted enzymes breakdown & liquify the meat which, is then absorbed. After 2 moults (3-4 days), the maggots (larvae) pupate. Adult flies frequent unsavoury places & as a result pick up & transmit diseases to humans. Tissue destruction caused by the larvae can result in serious injury.
Magnification*: x4
Type: SEM
Keywords: 03.01.02 20111B.TIF animal disease blow fly bluebottle fly Calliphora dipteran dipteran larva house fly house fly larva human disease infection insect insect vector insects larva larvae lateral Musca Musca domestica myiasis pathogen carrier pest vector wound SEM |

*(Magnifications are based on a 35mm slide image of 24mm in the narrow dimension.)