Elephant Stomach Bot Fly vs Winter Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elephant Stomach Bot Fly Winter Crane Fly
Scientific Name Cobboldia elephantis Trichocera annulata
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Oestridae Trichoceridae
Size 14-18 mm 5-10 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Parasites Detritivores
Regions South and Southeast Asia Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Elephant Stomach Bot Fly

A rare bot fly whose larvae develop in the stomachs of Asian elephants. Females lay eggs around the mouth of the elephant, and larvae migrate to the stomach. It is one of only a few bot flies specialized on elephants, and its biology is poorly understood.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the largest and rarest bot flies, and wild specimens are extremely difficult to collect due to their association with elephants.

Winter Crane Fly

A cold-adapted crane fly that forms mating swarms in winter even in freezing weather.

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Did You Know?

It can be seen dancing in aerial swarms on sunny winter days near buildings.