This term was first used in 1840 to refer to human diseases originating from dipterous (fly) larvae. More recently, it has been described as the infestation of live vertebrate animals with fly larvae, which, at least for a certain period, feed on the host’s dead or living tissue, liquid body substances, or ingested food. Myiasis begins when gravid female flies are attracted by the odors of infested wounds, decaying organic matter, feces, urine, and human food, where they deposit larvae or eggs. There are two principal ways to classify myiasis: entomologically and anatomically.
An Entomological Classification of Myiasis
Myiasis can be classified according to the relationship or level of dependence between the larvae and the host:
Specific or Obligatory Myiasis
This is caused by flies that can develop only on live hosts. Included in this group are members of Oestridae and Sarcophagidae.
Semi-Specific or Facultative Myiasis
This is caused by facultative or opportunistic parasitic flies...
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Soler Cruz, M.D. (2008). Myiasis. In: Capinera, J.L. (eds) Encyclopedia of Entomology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6359-6_4753
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