North American Spongillafly vs Caribou Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | North American Spongillafly | Caribou Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Climacia areolaris | Cephenemyia jellisoni |
| Order | Neuroptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sisyridae | Oestridae |
| Size | 6-10 mm wingspan | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Alaska, northern Canada, Yukon, Northwest Territories |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
North American Spongillafly
A small spongillafly found across eastern North America near fresh water. Its larvae feed on freshwater sponges attached to submerged rocks and logs.
Did You Know?
Larvae pupate on land inside double-walled cocoons after crawling out of the water.
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.