Blow fly eggs are typically deposited at openings on the carcass. Which openings are commonly targeted?

• A. Nose, eyes, ears, and anus
• B. Hair
• C. Teeth
• D. Blood vessels

Answer: (A)

Blowflies lay eggs on soft, moisture-rich surfaces that are easy for the adult to access and that give the hatched larvae immediate access to fluids and tissue. Natural body openings provide precisely that kind of entry point: they stay moist from mucous secretions, are warm, and are readily accessible on a carcass. Nostrils, the areas around the eyes, the ears, and the anus are common targets because they are openings where fluids and softer tissues are near the surface, making it easy for the eggs to be deposited and for larvae to begin feeding soon after hatch.

Other sites are less favorable. Hair or fur can block oviposition and insulation makes access harder, teeth are encased in hard enamel, and internal structures like blood vessels are not exposed as open surfaces for egg deposition. That combination of accessibility, moisture, and proximity to tissue fluids explains why these openings are commonly targeted on a carcass.