On the Life History of Neottiophilum praeustum (Meigen 1826) (Diptera-Acalyptera) Parasitic on Birds, with some general considerations on the Problem of Myiasis in Plants, Animals and Man

Abstract

1. Neottiophilum praeustum (Meigen 1826) is an Acalypterate fly, the larva of which inhabits the nests of various birds, e.g. Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Linnets, Thrushes and Blackbirds.2. The structure of the early stages of this fly namely eggs, larva and pupa is here described for the first time.3. Hendel's view that Neottiophilum should be separated into a new family is confirmed.4. The larvae of Neottiophilum live as intermittent blood-sucking parasites upon the birds. Their feeding habits are similar to those of Phormia and Passeromyia.5. The structure of the pharynx in Cyclorhaphous Dipterous larvae gives important indications as to the mode of feeding. Those larvae which are provided with longitudinal ridges are saprophagous or living upon decomposed vegetable or animal substances, while those which are devoid of ridges are biontophagous or feeding upon living substances (parasites in plants and in animals, predaceous or living in the uterus of the mother).6. This generalisation, when applied to the study of myiasis in plants, animals and man, enables us to separate them into two categories: (1) primary or parasitic myiasis and (2) secondary or pseudoparasitic myiasis, these being either accidental (intestinal) or following upon bacterial infection.