| Description |
The New World screwworm1 (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), and the Old World screwworm1 (OWS), Chrysomya bezziana Villeneuve, are both obligate parasites of mammals, including humans, during their larval stages. Both species are in the subfamily Chrysomyinae of the family Calliphoridae of the order Diptera (true flies). Larvae feeding on the skin and underlying tissues of the host cause a condition known as wound or traumatic myiasis, which can be fatal. |