Palmetto Weevil vs Throat Bot Fly of Horses
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Palmetto Weevil | Throat Bot Fly of Horses |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhynchophorus cruentatus | Gasterophilus nasalis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 25-33 mm | 11-15 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | Worldwide wherever horses are kept |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Palmetto Weevil
The largest weevil in North America, with variable black and red coloring. It attacks stressed cabbage palms and other palmetto species.
Did You Know?
It can detect a stressed or dying palm tree from several kilometers away using chemical cues.
Throat Bot Fly of Horses
A yellowish-brown bot fly that lays eggs under the jaw of horses. Larvae migrate to the area between the teeth and gums before traveling to the pyloric region of the stomach and duodenum. It is one of the most common horse bot flies worldwide.
Did You Know?
Unlike other horse bots, this species' larvae prefer the duodenum over the stomach, a unique niche among Gasterophilus species.