The parasite whose larvae encyst in the subcutaneous tissue of rabbits is which species?

The parasite whose larvae encyst in the subcutaneous tissue of rabbits is which species?

• A. Gasterophilus species
• B. Hypoderma species
• C. Oestrus species
• D. Cuterebra species

Answer: (D)

Focus on where the larvae grow and which hosts they typically infest. Cuterebra, the rodent botflies, have larvae that encyst in the subcutaneous tissue of small mammals like rabbits, producing characteristic warbles under the skin. This subcutaneous encystment in rabbits is a classic finding for Cuterebra. In contrast, Gasterophilus larvae inhabit the stomachs of horses, Oestrus ovis larvae develop in the nasal passages of sheep, and Hypoderma larvae migrate in the subcutaneous tissue of cattle. The tissue and host specificity of these other species don’t match the rabbit’s subcutaneous encystment, so Cuterebra is the correct choice.

Focus on where the larvae grow and which hosts they typically infest. Cuterebra, the rodent botflies, have larvae that encyst in the subcutaneous tissue of small mammals like rabbits, producing characteristic warbles under the skin. This subcutaneous encystment in rabbits is a classic finding for Cuterebra. In contrast, Gasterophilus larvae inhabit the stomachs of horses, Oestrus ovis larvae develop in the nasal passages of sheep, and Hypoderma larvae migrate in the subcutaneous tissue of cattle. The tissue and host specificity of these other species don’t match the rabbit’s subcutaneous encystment, so Cuterebra is the correct choice.