Cuterebra ruficrus
This record describes Cuterebra ruficrus (species). Recorded family: Oestridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w.US (OR‒CA to CO‒TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Black-tailed Jackrabbit ( Lepus californicus ); can also develop in cottontails ( Sylvilagus spp.) but it is unclear how often this happens in the wild.
Life History
Average larval phase 68 days in jackrabbits, slightly longer in cottontails.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cuterebra ruficrus (Austen 1933)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cuterebra ruficrus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cuterebra ruficrus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuterebra ruficrus
Where is Cuterebra ruficrus found?
Range: w.US (OR‒CA to CO‒TX)
What does Cuterebra ruficrus eat?
The diet of the Cuterebra ruficrus includes host: Black-tailed Jackrabbit ( Lepus californicus ); can also develop in cottontails ( Sylvilagus spp.) but it is unclear how often this happens in the wild..
What is the life cycle of a Cuterebra ruficrus?
Average larval phase 68 days in jackrabbits, slightly longer in cottontails.