Reindeer Nose Bot Fly vs Horse Stomach Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Reindeer Nose Bot Fly | Horse Stomach Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cephenemyia trompe | Gasterophilus intestinalis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Oestridae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia | Cosmopolitan wherever horses are kept |
| 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.
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.
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.