Lucilia bufonivora
This record describes Lucilia bufonivora (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to L. silvarum and L. elongata . Previously unreported in North America, this species was absent from calliphorid keys, leading to reports of Anuran myiasis from the previously mentioned species. This species is included in A recent molecular study found that all North American records of Anuran myiasis by Lucilia silvarum and Lucilia elongata were actually the result of activity by L. bufonivora , a species that was previously unreported from North America.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)
- Subfamily
- Melanomyinae
- Genus
- Lucilia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
A holarctic species that is now established in southern Canada
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lucilia bufonivora (Moniez)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lucilia bufonivora. 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 Lucilia bufonivora (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Andrew Meeds
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucilia bufonivora
What is Lucilia bufonivora?
Lucilia bufonivora is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Lucilia bufonivora?
Very similar to L. silvarum and L. elongata . Previously unreported in North America, this species was absent from calliphorid keys, leading to reports of Anuran myiasis from the previously mentioned species. This species is included in
Where is Lucilia bufonivora found?
Range: A holarctic species that is now established in southern Canada