Reindeer Nose Bot Fly vs Freija Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Reindeer Nose Bot Fly Freija Fritillary
Scientific Name Cephenemyia trompe Boloria freija
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Oestridae Nymphalidae
Size 14-18 mm 30-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Tundra & Arctic
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia Alaska, northern Canada, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Reindeer Nose Bot Fly

A large, hairy, bee-like fly that squirts live larvae into the nostrils of reindeer. The larvae develop in the nasal passages and throat of the host. Adults resemble bumblebees and do not feed.

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Did You Know?

This fly is one of the fastest insects in the world for its size, capable of pursuing running reindeer at speeds exceeding 40 kilometers per hour.

Freija Fritillary

A medium-small fritillary with bright orange wings bearing black zigzag markings. The hindwing underside features a distinctive arrowhead pattern in white and brown. It has a rapid, low flight over tundra bogs.

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Did You Know?

Named after the Norse goddess Freya, this butterfly is among the first to fly each spring in the boreal north.