African Blister Beetle vs Sheep Nose Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Blister Beetle | Sheep Nose Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mylabris oculata | Oestrus ovis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 15-30 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Parasites |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Blister Beetle
A conspicuous beetle with orange-red and black banded elytra. It contains cantharidin, a potent toxin that can cause severe skin blistering on contact.
Did You Know?
Its cantharidin is so toxic that even a small amount can kill a horse if ingested with contaminated hay or alfalfa.
Sheep Nose Bot Fly
A parasitic fly that shoots live larvae into the nostrils of sheep and goats while in flight. Larvae develop inside the nasal sinuses, causing distress to livestock.
Did You Know?
This fly does not lay eggs — it shoots live first-instar larvae directly into the nostrils of sheep while flying past at speed, a method called larviposition.