Spotted Wing Drosophila vs Horse Stomach Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spotted Wing Drosophila | Horse Stomach Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Drosophila suzukii | Gasterophilus intestinalis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Drosophilidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Asia, worldwide (invasive) | Cosmopolitan wherever horses are kept |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spotted Wing Drosophila
An invasive fruit fly from East Asia with a saw-like ovipositor that lets it lay eggs in ripening (not rotten) fruit — devastating soft fruit crops worldwide since its spread in 2008.
Did You Know?
Unlike most fruit flies that only attack rotting fruit, this species cuts into perfectly ripe fruit with its serrated ovipositor — causing billions in crop damage globally.
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.