Sheep Nose Bot Fly vs Bee Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sheep Nose Bot Fly | Bee Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oestrus ovis | Aphomia sociella |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Crambidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 30-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | Worldwide | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) |
| 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 Moth
A robust pinkish-brown moth whose larvae are nest parasites of bumblebees and wasps. Females enter bee nests at night to lay their eggs.
Did You Know?
A single larval web can contain hundreds of caterpillars that completely destroy a bumblebee nest.