Deer Bot Fly vs Neavei Black Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Deer Bot Fly Neavei Black Fly
Scientific Name Cephenemyia stimulator Simulium neavei
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Oestridae Simuliidae
Size 12-15 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Parasites Herbivores
Regions Europe East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Deer Bot Fly

A parasitic fly that deposits larvae in the nostrils of roe deer. The larvae develop in the pharyngeal region before being sneezed out.

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Did You Know?

Once erroneously claimed to fly at over 1,300 km/h, making it a famous example of scientific exaggeration.

Neavei Black Fly

A small black fly whose larvae uniquely attach to freshwater crabs rather than rocks or vegetation. It is a vector of river blindness in East Africa, particularly in forested areas. The association with crabs makes it vulnerable to control by removing the crab hosts.

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Did You Know?

Eliminating the freshwater crabs that carry its larvae successfully eradicated onchocerciasis from parts of East Africa.