Throat Bot Fly of Horses vs Subarctic Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Throat Bot Fly of Horses Subarctic Crane Fly
Scientific Name Gasterophilus nasalis Prionocera turcica
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Oestridae Tipulidae
Size 11-15 mm 12-18 mm body length
Habitat Farmland Wetlands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Worldwide wherever horses are kept Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia
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.

Subarctic Crane Fly

A medium-sized crane fly with distinctive patterned wings and long, slender legs. Larvae develop in wet peatland soils. Adults are poor fliers and often rest on low vegetation in sheltered spots.

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Did You Know?

The larvae of this crane fly can survive in waterlogged, low-oxygen peat soil by breathing through specialized anal papillae.