Shaggy Rove Beetle vs Horse Stomach Bot Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Shaggy Rove Beetle Horse Stomach Bot Fly
Scientific Name Emus hirtus Gasterophilus intestinalis
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Staphylinidae Oestridae
Size 18-28 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Dung Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Cosmopolitan wherever horses are kept
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Shaggy Rove Beetle

A spectacular, large rove beetle covered in dense black and yellow fur-like pubescence, resembling a bumblebee. It is associated with dung and is one of Europe's most visually striking beetles.

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Did You Know?

This beetle's bumblebee-like appearance is thought to be a form of Batesian mimicry, deterring predators that have learned to avoid stinging bumblebees.

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.

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Did You Know?

Larvae survive the acidic horse stomach by secreting a protective alkaline buffer around themselves.