Toad fly eggs found on frog in Hämeenkyrö; larvae likely fatal

A frog in Hämeenkyrö was found on July 25 with a cluster of parasitic fly eggs on its neck; the amphibian was about 7 cm long. The finding was reported by Aamulehti.

Tomi Kumpulainen, curator at the Tampere Natural History Museum, identifies the culprit as a konnakärpänen (toad fly), a species of carrion fly that usually targets the common toad and sometimes brown frogs. The eggs hatch quickly. The larvae crawl into the frog's nostrils and feed on soft tissue, and the infection is likely to be fatal within a couple of days. After that the larvae pupate and new flies emerge. The species is part of Finland's natural fauna and poses no danger to people.

Readers can send photos and details of sightings to [email protected], including the location, habitat, time of observation and an estimate of the animal's size. Kumpulainen normally handles records from Pirkanmaa but will respond to reports from elsewhere when possible.

The museum has previously advised on similar local sightings, including the leaf snail photographed in Hämeenkyrö, which prompted guidance on control measures.