Deer Bot Fly vs Plain-faced Dronefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Deer Bot Fly Plain-faced Dronefly
Scientific Name Cephenemyia stimulator Eristalis arbustorum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Oestridae Syrphidae
Size 12-15 mm 9-11 mm
Habitat Woodlands Gardens
Diet Parasites Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, North America, Asia
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.

Plain-faced Dronefly

A small, dark dronefly with a distinctive bare facial stripe. It is one of the most common hoverflies visiting garden flowers in summer.

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Did You Know?

It can be distinguished from other droneflies by the shiny, hairless stripe down the center of its face.