Determination of the migratory route of botfly larvae, Cuterebra grisea (Diptera: Cuterebridae) in deermice

HUnter D. M. and Webster J. M. 1973. Determination of the migratory route of botfly larvae, Cuterebra grisea (Diptera: Cuterebridae) in deermice. International Journal for Parasitology3:311–316. Cuterebra grisea larvae introduced into deermice (Peromyscus manicutatus) occurred in the nasal passages (nose or eye entry) or were associated with the esophagus and trachea (mouth entry) in the first three days after entry. During this period, some deermice exhibited a violent wheezing reaction. From day 4 to 6 after entry, larvae migrated to the final development site in the inguinal region of the deermouse. Migrating larvae were found on the front and top of the head, on the back and at the base of the tail. The similarity of this migratory path for C. grisea with the final development sites of other Cuterebra species is discussed.