What is a "botfly"?

A botfly is a unique and intriguing insect known for its parasitic lifestyle. It belongs to the family Oestridae and is characterized by its robust body and hairy appearance. The female botfly lays its eggs on the skin of mammals, including humans, through various vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks. Once the eggs come into contact with a host, they hatch, and the larvae burrow into the host's skin to develop. The larvae feed on the host's tissue, causing painful swellings or lesions. After a period of development, the fully grown larvae emerge from the host to complete their life cycle. While the presence of botflies can be discomforting and sometimes even harmful, they play a role in the ecosystem as natural parasites, regulating populations of other organisms and contributing to the overall balance of nature.