Sheep Nose Bot Fly vs South American Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sheep Nose Bot Fly | South American Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oestrus ovis | Microstylum magnum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Oestridae | Asilidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 30-40 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Parasites | Predators |
| Regions | Worldwide | South America, Central America |
| 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.
South American Robber Fly
A large, elongate robber fly from tropical regions with a slender abdomen and long spiny legs. It hunts from exposed perches and can catch large prey relative to its body size.
Did You Know?
Some tropical Asilidae species are among the largest predatory flies in the world, rivaling small dragonflies in wingspan.