Caribou Bot Fly

About Caribou Bot Fly

A robust, furry fly that parasitizes caribou and deer in North America. Like its Eurasian relative, it deposits larvae near the nostrils of its host. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and survive entirely on stored energy.

How to Identify Caribou Bot Fly

Caribou Bot Fly (Cephenemyia jellisoni) belongs to the order Diptera, family Oestridae. Adults typically measure 12-16 mm.

Caribou Bot Fly Habitat

Caribou Bot Fly is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Alaska, northern Canada, Yukon, Northwest Territories. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Caribou Bot Fly Diet and Feeding

Caribou Bot Fly has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Caribou Bot Fly Found?

Caribou Bot Fly can be found in Alaska, northern Canada, Yukon, Northwest Territories, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Is Caribou Bot Fly Dangerous?

Caribou Bot Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Caribou Bot Fly Role in Nature

Caribou Bot Fly plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Caribou Bot Fly are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity