Southern Long-legged Fly vs Throat Bot Fly of Horses

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern Long-legged Fly Throat Bot Fly of Horses
Scientific Name Chrysotus gramineus Gasterophilus nasalis
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Dolichopodidae Oestridae
Size 2-3 mm 11-15 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Farmland
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Worldwide wherever horses are kept
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Southern Long-legged Fly

A tiny, brilliantly metallic green long-legged fly commonly found on vegetation near water. It runs rapidly across leaf surfaces hunting for small prey.

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Did You Know?

Despite their tiny size, dolichopodid flies are among the most species-rich predatory fly families globally.

Throat Bot Fly of Horses

A yellowish-brown bot fly that lays eggs under the jaw of horses. Larvae migrate to the area between the teeth and gums before traveling to the pyloric region of the stomach and duodenum. It is one of the most common horse bot flies worldwide.

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Did You Know?

Unlike other horse bots, this species' larvae prefer the duodenum over the stomach, a unique niche among Gasterophilus species.