Caribou Bot Fly vs Macrosoma lucivittata
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Caribou Bot Fly | Macrosoma lucivittata |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cephenemyia jellisoni | Macrosoma lucivittata |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Hedylidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 32-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Alaska, northern Canada, Yukon, Northwest Territories | Central America, South America |
| 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.
Macrosoma lucivittata
Moth-butterfly with pale wings bearing a translucent vitreous stripe. One of the more distinctive hedylid species.
Did You Know?
The glass-like wing stripe may function in crypsis by breaking up the wing outline at night.