(Dermatobia Hominis). Often mistaken for a mosquito bite, the entry wounds of the Botfly larvae don't heal as long as the larvae feed. Once deposited on warm flesh the eggs hatch. It takes only 15 minutes for the larvae to burrow under the host's skin. While protected from the elements, they consume living flesh causing the host chronic pain and bleeding in the area of the infestation. If left unattended they'll remain in the host for about three months. The engorged mature larvae wriggle out of the wound to complete the pupal stages on the ground. The adult fly has nonworking mouthparts relying entirely on nutrition ingested during its time below the skin. The complete life cycle takes 100-120 days. By Thomas Voehringer
World Adventure Special: 2007 Land Rover LR3
Read this and more about the off-road adventures we had in the 2007 Land Rover LR3. Mayan Ruins, Bandits, and Oozing Sludge, All in a Day's Work!