Sheep Nose Bot Fly vs Bee Killer Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sheep Nose Bot Fly | Bee Killer Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oestrus ovis | Mallophora bomboides |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Asilidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 20-28 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasites | Herbivores |
| Regions | Worldwide | Eastern United States from New England to Florida |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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 Killer Robber Fly
A large fuzzy robber fly that closely resembles a bumble bee in both appearance and buzzing flight. It perches on vegetation and launches aerial attacks on passing insects.
Did You Know?
Its bumble bee mimicry is so convincing that it can sit among real bees at flowers without being recognized as a predator.