Parasite Philornis downsi Research Breakthrough
Credit: P. Lahuatte
The successful rearing of maggots from the Philornis downsi fly in lab conditions has opened up the possibility of being able to control the fly that threatens nestlings in the Galapagos islands. The larvae feed on the chicks killing them in the nest. A number of bird species are threatened by the invasive fly including the mangrove finch and and the Floreana mockingbird. Find out more on this hopeful story here