Alien Parasite !!

[blacknstormy]

Frogs may be parasitised by a genus of flies - the Batrachomyia (Diptera:Chloropidae). The fly larvae reside in the lymph spaces beneath the skin on the backs of frogs where they ingest the blood of the host frog.

This is a sub-adult Pseudophryne coriacea which we found during our current survey at Tamborine - the first photo shows the fly maggot clearly visible as a large bump under the skin on the dorsal surface of the frogs left side:



This shot shows the posterior spiracles protruding through a small hole next to the frogs eye/shoulder. This maggot when it is ready to pupate, will tear a hole through the frogs skin through which it will exit the body and drop into the soil where it will pupate before beginning the cycle all over again. According to literature, the majority of frogs actually survive this experience - those that die may die due to other causes, an overinfestation of the parasite (there have been records of up to 5 maggots in a single frog), or due to infection of the exit wound. However small frogs may suffer significant tissue damage when the maggot exits



Pretty interesting huh ??

[colin_12]

This is an interesting read Rel.
Some insects are just scary.
Regards Colin

[ATJ]

Great shots, Rel, and an interesting read. I guess some animals will do anything to pass on their genes.

[tangcla]

*shudder*

Poor frog! Wonder if they can feel it...


But nice pics, too much detail (not that it's a bad thing when it comes to photos! )

[Killakoala]

Froggy version of John Hurt

[The Scorpion Man]

Yes...I recall seeing these parasites in Pseudophryne bibroni from Adelaide hills populations many years ago.....thanks for reminding me..