Caribou Bot Fly vs Common Crow Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Caribou Bot Fly | Common Crow Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cephenemyia jellisoni | Euploea core |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 85-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Alaska, northern Canada, Yukon, Northwest Territories | South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Caribou Bot Fly
A robust, furry fly that parasitizes caribou and deer in North America. Like its Eurasian relative, it deposits larvae near the nostrils of its host. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and survive entirely on stored energy.
Did You Know?
Infected caribou may sneeze violently to expel mature bot fly larvae from their nasal passages before the larvae pupate in the soil.
Common Crow Butterfly
Dark brown wings with rows of white marginal spots. Highly toxic due to alkaloids sequestered from its larval food plants.
Did You Know?
Males form large aggregations during the dry season, sometimes numbering in the millions.