Lithophypoderma ascoides
Insect Order Diptera, Family Oestidae
Geological Time: Eocene
Size: Insect fossil is 17 mm by 5 mm; Matrix: 40 mm by 35 mm.
Fossil Site: Green River Shale< Parachute Creek Member, Rio Blanco County, Colorado, USA
Fossil Code: AW97
Price: $30.00
 Description:
The Green River Formation deposits of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah
are best known for their immaculately-preserved fish, but other examples
are known as well, as this specimen attests. This is an example of
the larval form of a Botfly. Modern-day Botflies are parasites of
mammals, and are found either growing in the host’s flesh or
in the gut. Most rely on vectors such as a housefly, mosquito, or
tick to infest their ultimate host. One species even (shudder) infests
humans by burrowing under the skin and leaving a breathing hole open
to the surface. Their spines make them difficult to remove and painful.
Application of iodine to the hole will cause them to quickly exit.
The alternative of applying nail polish to suffocate them still leaves
the problem of removing the dead maggot (yuck). The specimen will
come in a protective Riker type box.. |
