South African Alderfly vs Horse Stomach Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South African Alderfly | Horse Stomach Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leptosialis africana | Gasterophilus intestinalis |
| Order | Megaloptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Africa | Cosmopolitan wherever horses are kept |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
South African Alderfly
One of the few alderfly species found in the Southern Hemisphere, occurring in clean mountain streams of South Africa. Adults are small with dark wings.
Did You Know?
Southern Hemisphere alderflies are so rare and poorly studied that basic aspects of their biology remain unknown to science.
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.
Did You Know?
Larvae survive the acidic horse stomach by secreting a protective alkaline buffer around themselves.