Sheep Nose Bot Fly vs Bee-fly Strepsipteran
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sheep Nose Bot Fly | Bee-fly Strepsipteran |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oestrus ovis | Stylops ater |
| Order | Diptera | Strepsiptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Stylopidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 2.0-3.5 mm (males) |
| Habitat | Farmland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | Worldwide | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Sheep Nose Bot Fly
A parasitic fly that shoots live larvae into the nostrils of sheep and goats while in flight. Larvae develop inside the nasal sinuses, causing distress to livestock.
Did You Know?
This fly does not lay eggs — it shoots live first-instar larvae directly into the nostrils of sheep while flying past at speed, a method called larviposition.
Bee-fly Strepsipteran
A dark-bodied strepsipteran that parasitizes Andrena mining bees in Europe. The triungulins actively seek out host bee larvae in nest cells.
Did You Know?
Tiny first-instar larvae ride on flowers and grab onto visiting bees for transport back to the bee's nest.