Cuterebra

/kjuːtəˈriːbrə/ noun

Definition

A genus of botflies whose larvae burrow under the skin of mammals, causing painful boils or warbles.

Etymology

From New Latin, possibly deriving from Spanish 'cucaracha' or an indigenous American term. The genus was named in the 19th century by entomologists studying parasitic flies.

Kelly Says

Despite its cute-sounding name, Cuterebra is one of nature's nightmare parasites—a name that perfectly hides a gruesomely interesting creature.

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