Biology
Wohlfahrtia magnifica infestation of a sheep scrotum (right) shown in infra red - Hungary.
Size
The body length of adults is in the order of 8-14mm.
Larvae range from only 1.5-2.0mm when deposited up to about 15-18mm when mature.
Growth
Larvae mature in host wounds within about 5-7 days. The rate of growth is determined by the temperature where they are feeding which, for these parasites, is dependent on the host body temperature. Larvae of W. magnifica will feed only on live hosts, never on carrion.
Feeding strategy
Adult Wohlfahrtia magnifica are flower feeders, but females will feed on protein at animal wounds. Larvae are obligatory parasites of living mammal or bird tissues
The rate of development of pupae is determined by environmental temperatures, therefore it becomes slower at low temperatures. When temperatures drop and daylight shortens in the autumn the species enters pupal diapause (Ternovoy 1978).
Adult flies emerge in the following spring, when the soil warms and the days lengthen.
Life expectancy
Unknown, adults in captivity can live for 1-2 months.
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Lifecycle
Female Wohlfahrtia magnifica deposit live larvae. Discover more about the lifecycle of the Wohlfahrt’s Wound Myiasis Fly.