Cochliomyia hominivorax are 8-10 mm in length.

The two main species are Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria.

Cochliomyia hominivorax are known as the Primary screwworm because their larvae produce myiasis and feed on living tissue.

The Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae have distinctly pigmented tracheal trunks.

Cochliomyia hominivorax (new world screwworm fly)

Cochliomyia hominivorax, or the Primary screwworm, is a parasitic species belonging to the Calliphoridae family of flies.

Other parasitic screwworms are found in this family, such as Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria.

Research is currently being performed to develop a synthetic odor bait to replace the use of wounded animals as bait for the female Cochliomyia hominivorax.

The Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae will dive head-first into whatever food source is nearest, and burrow deeper, eating into live flesh if available.

The screwworm ('Cochliomyia hominivorax') once a major pest in southern United States, has been eradicated through massive release of sterilized males.

The mature third instar Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria larvae can reach a length of 17 mm.

The Cochliomyia hominivorax has been present in North America from ancient times, and is even referenced in some ancient indigenous dialogues.

Both Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria thrive in tropical areas which are warm and humid.

Screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) eradicated from the United States, Mexico, and Libya.

The New World screwworm, or Cochliomyia hominivorax, was once widespread in the United States and Mexico, attacking livestock and, less frequently, humans.

The female Cochliomyia macellaria has a yellowish basicosta while the female Cochliomyia hominivorax has a brown basicosta.

The climates C. bezziana thrives in are present in Australia and the Americas; the fly requires climates similar to its New World relative Cochliomyia hominivorax.

There are four species in this genus: Cochliomyia macellaria, Cochliomyia hominivorax, Cochliomyia aldrichi, and Cochliomyia minima.

Cochliomyia hominivorax are primary, obligate parasites in the larval stage, and as a result of this are capable, unlike their Secondary screwworm counterparts, of initializing the penetration of the skin barrier to create an entry wound.

The species Cochliomyia macellaria have pale setulae on the fronto-orbital plate outside the row of frontal bristles while Cochliomyia hominivorax have dark setulae on the fronto-orbital plate outside the row of frontal bristles.

Cochliomyia hominivorax was distributed throughout the northern South America, Central America, Caribbean Islands, and the United States prior to the use of the Sterile insect technique, after which it was eradicated from the U.S. and Mexico.

The larvae of both Cochliomyia macellaria and Cochliomyia hominivorax have a cylindrical body tapering anteriorly with 10 or more robust spines around the spiracular area, incomplete peritreme, an indistinct or absent button, and bands of small spines on each segment.