Swallow Louse Fly vs Reindeer Nose Bot Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swallow Louse Fly Reindeer Nose Bot Fly
Scientific Name Ornithomya avicularia Cephenemyia trompe
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Hippoboscidae Oestridae
Size 5-7 mm 14-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Swallow Louse Fly

A flattened, brownish winged louse fly that parasitizes a wide range of bird species. It moves rapidly through feathers using its laterally compressed body and strong tarsal claws.

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Did You Know?

It can parasitize over 30 different bird species, making it one of the most host-generalist hippoboscid flies.

Reindeer Nose Bot Fly

A large, hairy, bee-like fly that squirts live larvae into the nostrils of reindeer. The larvae develop in the nasal passages and throat of the host. Adults resemble bumblebees and do not feed.

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Did You Know?

This fly is one of the fastest insects in the world for its size, capable of pursuing running reindeer at speeds exceeding 40 kilometers per hour.