Mango worms are the larval stage of the Cordylobia anthropophaga fly, often referred to as the tumbu fly or skin maggot fly. This article explores the primary geographic regions where mango worms are found, the particular ground environments they inhabit, and the environmental factors that contribute to their survival and proliferation.
Primary Geographic Regions
The Cordylobia anthropophaga fly is native to tropical and subtropical areas across sub-Saharan Africa. This blowfly species is widely distributed throughout various parts of the continent, including regions in East, Central, and West Africa. Its presence has been documented from Senegal in the west to Natal in the south, indicating a broad endemic range. While primarily confined to Africa, rare instances of mango worm infestations have been reported in other parts of the world, typically linked to international travel where eggs or larvae are inadvertently transported.
Specific Ground Habitats
Mango worms primarily inhabit ground environments suitable for their development. The adult female fly typically lays its eggs in sandy soil, especially when the soil is contaminated with animal waste such as feces or urine. These eggs are also frequently deposited on damp clothing or bedding that has been left on the ground to dry. Shaded areas are particularly favored for egg-laying.
Once hatched, larvae remain in the soil or on the contaminated materials, waiting for a suitable host. They can survive in these ground environments for approximately 9 to 15 days without finding a host. After the larvae have developed within a host, they emerge and drop back to the ground, where they burrow into the soil to undergo pupation.
Environmental Factors for Survival
The survival and proliferation of mango worms depend on climatic and environmental conditions. Warm and humid conditions are important for the entire life cycle of the Cordylobia anthropophaga fly. Tropical and subtropical climates provide the high temperatures required for the adult flies to be active and for their eggs to hatch.
Humidity plays an important role in maintaining the viability of the eggs and the survival of larvae in the soil. High moisture levels prevent desiccation, allowing the larvae to persist while awaiting a host. The rainy season in endemic regions often correlates with an increase in reported mango worm infestations. This surge is attributed to the increased moisture in the environment, which creates optimal conditions for egg development and larval activity on the ground.