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nw NC | Some good advice AND some misinformation among all the comments today.
From this site: http://ipm.ncsu.edu/ag369/notes/blow_flies.html
Feeding Habits -- Most blow fly larvae feed in carrion or other decaying organic matter. They often infest wounds of sheep, goats, cattle, and other animals. Unkempt sheep are particularly subject to attack. Adult blow flies are attracted to nectar, carrion, garbage, and other refuse and soggy, bloody or soiled hair, fur, or wool.
Damage -- Blow flies deposit eggs in castration and dehorning wounds or on dirty, wet wool. The larvae which soon hatch feed on decaying flesh or matted hair. Infested wounds often become inflamed and the hair or wool falls out. Blood poisoning may result.
As a rule, most blow fly larvae do not attack healthy tissue. Mature larvae of green-bottle flies, however, have been known to burrow deep into healthy tissue after spending earlier developmental stages in superficial wounds. Fortunately, this particular species is usually of minor importance in North Carolina.
Another site : http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/blue_bottle_fly.htm | |
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