Biology:Lucilia bufonivora

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Short description: Species of fly

Lucilia bufonivora
Lucilia.bufonivora.-.lindsey.jpg
Adult Lucilia bufonivora
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Calliphoridae
Genus: Lucilia
Species:
L. bufonivora
Binomial name
Lucilia bufonivora
Moniez, 1876

Lucilia bufonivora is a member of the fly family Calliphoridae which are commonly known as blow flies. L. bufonivora is commonly referred to as a toadfly. The adult flies will typically feed on pollen and nectar of flowers, while the larvae are parasitoids that feed mainly on the living flesh of the common toad (Bufo bufo), leading to the toad's death, though they have been found as parasites[clarification needed] on other frog and toad species.[1] It is common in north west Europe.[2]

Description

The adult toadfly has large brown compound eyes, a bright metallic green thorax and abdomen clad with bristly black hairs and a pair of membraneous, dark veined, translucent wings. The larvae are creamy white maggots similar to those of other blow flies that are found on dead animals and rotting meat.[2]

Parasitism

Common Toad Bufo bufo infected with larvae of Lucilia bufonivora.
A Common Toad Bufo bufo infected with larvae of Lucilia bufonivora. The nostrils of the toad have been destroyed by the larvae already.

The adult toadfly strategically lays its eggs near the nostrils of the common toad, displaying a preference for weakened or injured individuals. Upon hatching, the larvae delicately feed on the nostril tissue, gradually navigating into the intricate passages of the nasal cavities. As they mature, these voracious larvae exhibit an insatiable appetite, devouring not only the host's eyes but also its brain and other vital tissues.

Toad underwater with Larvae of lucillia bufonivora, the nostrils of the toad have already been destroyed by the larvae.

Alternatively, the eggs may be laid in wounds and eat the hosts flesh. When the toad has died and the larvae have totally consumed its tissues and finished their development, they make their way into the soil and pupate. The larvae are sensitive to temperature and only thrive between 14 °C and 29 °C. If they are cooled below this range they will stop feeding and attempt to leave the host and bury themselves shallowly in the soil to hibernate.[2]

In a study in the Netherlands, it was found that the fly selectively targeted larger toads, with no juveniles and very few one-year-olds being affected. Overall, 8% of the toads examined were hosts to the toadfly larvae and would later have died, indicating that the activities of this parasite have a significant effect on the toad population.[3]

References

  1. Garanin, VI; Shaldybin SL. (1976). "Parasitism of larvae of the fly, Lucilia bufonivora, Moniez, 1876, on Anura" (in ru). Parazitologiia 10 (3): 286–828. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Séguy, E.. "Un parasite des batraciens, la lucilie bufonivore: Lucilia bufonivora". Batraciens et Reptiles du Monde. http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/lucilia_bufonivora.htm. 
  3. Strijbosch, H. (1980). "Mortality in a population of Bufo bufo resulting from the fly Lucilia bufonivora". Oecologia 45 (2): 285–286. doi:10.1007/BF00346472. PMID 28309542. Bibcode1980Oecol..45..285S. 

Wikidata ☰ Q1505291 entry