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Neat fly, two pics at the following page. Is this a syrphid?


http://bugguide.n...65/bgimage

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No way !!
This is a calyptrate fly in the warble flies belonging to the strictly new-world family Cuterebridae. The larvae of these Cuterebridae make warbles in the hosts, either mice, squirrels or hares (including Ochotona). The species are considered quite rare (though no so rare as the Oldworld counterparts Hypodermatidae/nae). Sometimes males are found gathering together at special places, often hilltopping. These places may be used for several years, so keep track of them.
The Nearctic Cuterebridae have been revised by Curtis Sabrosky.

So, alas, no syrphid, but congratulations: much better !


Theo Zeegers

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I got a similar reply from someone at bugguide and looked it up...exact match. I also found websites detailing larva removal from companion animals, since a ruptured larva can initiate anaphylactic shock.

since they were found inside someone's house, should I recommend that they inspect their two dogs and take them to a vet that has heard of these?

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Myiasis caused by Cuterebridae is quite rare, though less rare than in other families of botflies. The larvae almost never make it past the first instar, so there is no way that these flies have been growing in dogs and pupate.
So, my advise would be: go to the vet if there are any complaints.
Start looking in and around the eyes, ears and possibly anus.
If there are no problems, you and your dogs are fine.

I would be surprise if the dogs turn out to be invested.

(By the way: Hematobia hominivorax from South America is a different story. This species can be found in many species of mammals).

Theo Zeegers

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Thanks for the information. I will advise the customers accordingly.