Identification of flies by maggot type may be difficult. Fly larvae contain spiracles: external respiratory openings on the body, each with a specific number of pores. These parts may be compared to images in a pictorial key in order to obtain a complete identification.
Diagnosis: Finding fly larvae in human tissue or wounds.
Identifying features: A basic identification of "fly larvae" may be sufficient, depending on your laboratory's procedure. Identification to the genus or species level involves the comparison of anterior and posterior spiracles, mouthparts, and other parts of the larvae. Use of an atlas will be required. Travel history is also helpful.
26. CDC. Image# 21333. "Under a magnification of 50X, this photomicrograph revealed some of the ultrastructural features exhibited at the posterior end of a human botfly, Dermatobia hominis maggot, which included organism’s posterior spiracles and spines. This specimen was extracted from a patient’s skin." PHIL public domain. Created - no date provided. https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21333 27. CDC. "Cross-sections of a bot fly larva (unidentified) taken from the right ear of a patient who traveled to Belize. This image shows a close-up of one of the spines." CDC Web page, Myiasis - image gallery. Public domain. 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/myiasis/index.html
