Caribou Bot Fly vs Spotted Sedge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Caribou Bot Fly | Spotted Sedge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cephenemyia jellisoni | Hydropsyche siltalai |
| Order | Diptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Hydropsychidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Alaska, northern Canada, Yukon, Northwest Territories | Europe |
| 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.
Spotted Sedge
A net-spinning caddisfly that constructs silken capture nets in fast-flowing water to filter food from the current. Adults have spotted brown wings.
Did You Know?
Net-spinning caddisfly larvae are such effective filter feeders that they can remove significant amounts of fine particles from stream water.