Wohlfahrtia spp.

Wohlfahrtia spp.
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Class	Insecta
Order	Diptera
Family	Sarcophagidae
Genus	Wohlfahrtia

Introduction

Wohlfahritia spp. are from the family Sarcophagidae. Also known as flesh flies; Wohlfahritia are the largest genus, and are known to cause myiasis.

W. magnifica

Also known as: Flesh Fly — Screw worm

Wohlfahritia
Alvesgaspar 2008, Wikimedia Commons

Hosts

The females will lay eggs on any warm blooded animal.

Identification

The adults are grey, and have three prominent longitudinal bands. The abdomen has clear black spots.

Life Cycle

W. magnifica are obligate agents of myiasis. The females leave L1 on the host, usually in wounds or body orifices. The larvae then undergo two further moults before leaving the host, and pupating on the ground.

W. nuba

Also known as: Flesh Fly

Hosts

Camels

Identification

The adults are around 10mm, with long elongated bodies. They have longitudinal black stripes, and a dark grey abdomen.

Life Cycle

The females lay eggs primarily in dead stock, but may also infect live mammals, particularly in Northern Africa, causing myiasis. The females lay L1 on the host, then undergo two further moults, before finally pupating on the ground.

W. vigil

Also known as: Grey Flesh Fly

Hosts

Mink, foxes, and rabbits are primarily affected, but W. vigil may also occasionally affect cats and dogs.

Identification

The adults are around 10mm long, with elongated bodies, an longitudinal black stripes. It also has a grey and black abdomen.

Life Cycle

The female leaves active maggots on the host; often in wounds and body orifices. The larvae, however, may penetrate intact skin. The larvae undergo two further transformations, before dropping to the ground to pupate.

W. meigeni

Hosts

Mainly foxes and minks.

Identification

The adults are around 10mm in length, and have slender, elongated bodies. They have longitudinal black stripes and a grey and black abdomen.

Life Cycle

The female lays active maggots on the host, in the orifices or existing areas of myiasis. The larvae then undergo two further moults, then leave the host, and pupate on the ground.

The larvae will be apparent as a boil like swellings under the skin.

Wohlfahrtia spp. Learning Resources
Flashcards Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions	Myiasis Producing Flies Flashcards
Literature Search Search for recent publications via CAB Abstract (CABI log in required)	Wohlfahrtia spp. publications

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