Throat Bot Fly of Horses vs Lesser Cattle Grub

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Throat Bot Fly of Horses Lesser Cattle Grub
Scientific Name Gasterophilus nasalis Hypoderma lineatum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Oestridae Oestridae
Size 11-15 mm 11-13 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Omnivores Parasites
Regions Worldwide wherever horses are kept North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Lesser Cattle Grub

A hairy, bee-like fly slightly smaller than H. bovis, whose larvae also parasitize cattle. Unlike H. bovis, its larvae migrate through the esophageal wall rather than the spinal canal. It causes significant hide damage and meat trim losses in the cattle industry.

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Did You Know?

Warble damage to cattle hides makes them unsuitable for premium leather, costing the cattle industry millions in hide value annually.