Ecology
Larvae of the family Calliphoridae are typically scavengers of carrion and dung but this species is also notorious for infesting necrotic tissue in animals and humans. In reference to the adults, members of this family typically feed on nectar, sweet liquids, and things of that nature. The specific distinction of the fly Lucilia silvarum that causes its common name to be the toad fly is the fact that at times the adult female will lay its eggs on toads and the larvae will become parasitic upon hatching. Studies have shown that typically parasitism by Lucilia silvarum has been fatal to their anuran host, but a recent study has found that there are two species of frog, the wood frog and boreal toad, that have actually been able to survive the parasitic larvae. Some species of frogs that are typical hosts of Lucilia silvarum are listed below, but these specific hosts are specific to the Canadian regions.
- Rana sylvatica – the wood frog
- Pseudacris maculata – the boreal chorus frog
- Bufo boreas boreas – the boreal toad
- Bufo hemiophrys – the Canadian toad
Read more about this topic: Lucilia Silvarum
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