Horse Stomach Bot Fly vs Phantom Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Horse Stomach Bot Fly | Phantom Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gasterophilus intestinalis | Bittacomorpha clavipes |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Ptychopteridae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 10-15 mm body |
| Habitat | Farmland | Wetlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Cosmopolitan wherever horses are kept | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Horse Stomach Bot Fly
A bee-like fly that glues eggs to horse leg hairs where they are ingested during grooming. Larvae attach to the stomach lining and develop for months before passing out.
Did You Know?
Larvae survive the acidic horse stomach by secreting a protective alkaline buffer around themselves.
Phantom Crane Fly
A delicate fly with swollen black and white banded tarsi that acts as a tiny parachute, allowing it to float effortlessly on air currents.
Did You Know?
The inflated tarsal segments are hollow and serve as aerodynamic balloons, allowing the fly to drift on the slightest breeze.