HUMAN BOTFLY Meaning and
Definition
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The human botfly, scientifically known as Dermatobia hominis, is a parasitic insect belonging to the family Oestridae. Found primarily in tropical regions, particularly Central and South America, this species exhibits a unique life cycle that involves utilizing humans and other mammals as hosts for their larvae.
The adult human botflies, which resemble bees or wasps in appearance, do not directly harm humans. Instead, the female botfly captures a mosquito or other blood-sucking insect and attaches its eggs to its body. When this infected insect lands on a human, the heat from the body triggers the hatching of the botfly larvae. The larvae penetrate the skin, often through hair follicles or insect bites, and start their developmental stage under the human's skin.
Once inside, the botfly larvae create a painful boil-like lesion, known as a furuncular myiasis, which serves as a protective dwelling. Here, they continue to feed on the host's tissues, growing in size until ready to emerge. The process typically takes several weeks, during which the host may experience itching, inflammation, and discomfort.
The removal of botfly larvae is usually done by covering the lesion with petroleum jelly or bacon, which attracts the larvae to the surface, allowing their extraction. However, medical professionals should address severe cases to prevent secondary infections and ensure proper healing.
While the presence of human botflies can be distressing and cause discomfort to those affected, they are generally not considered a significant health threat, and infestations are rare. However, individuals traveling to regions inhabited by botflies should take precautions to minimize exposure and use appropriate insect repellents.
Common Misspellings for HUMAN BOTFLY
- guman botfly
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- hyman botfly
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Etymology of HUMAN BOTFLY
The word "human botfly" consists of two parts: "human" and "botfly".
The term "human" comes from the Latin word "humanus", which is derived from "homo" meaning "man" or "human being". It has been used in various forms in different languages throughout history.
The word "botfly" comes from the Old English word "bott", which means "grub" or "maggot". The combination of "bot" and "fly" refers to a specific family of flies known as Oestridae or botflies. Botflies are known for their unique life cycle, in which their larvae infest and parasitize mammals, including humans. Hence, the term "human botfly" is used to describe the botfly species that affect humans.
Similar spelling words for HUMAN BOTFLY
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