I found this long dead and partially eaten bot fly (Diptera: Oestridae: Cuterebra emasculator, I think) on a window sill in my shed last weekend. The specimen stood out from the 100+ other insects on the sill, 90% of which were carpenter bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopa virginica). Oestridae is one of those taxa I’ve always wanted to collect but never have. They are absolutely gorgeous as adults and fascinating, if repulsive, as larvae. This species is a parasite of rodents.

Anyway, I just checked our collection, and we have NO Cuterebra specimens of any species. Looks like this dermestified specimen will be making it into the Frost tonight. Then it’s time to start rearing squirrels …