πŸͺ° Flies

Horse Stomach Bot Fly

Gasterophilus intestinalis

About 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.

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Did You Know?

Larvae survive the acidic horse stomach by secreting a protective alkaline buffer around themselves.

How to Identify Horse Stomach Bot Fly

Horse Stomach Bot Fly (Gasterophilus intestinalis) belongs to the order Diptera, family Oestridae. Adults typically measure 12-16 mm.

Horse Stomach Bot Fly Habitat

Horse Stomach Bot Fly is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Cosmopolitan wherever horses are kept. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Horse Stomach Bot Fly Diet and Feeding

Horse Stomach 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 Horse Stomach Bot Fly Found?

Horse Stomach Bot Fly can be found in Cosmopolitan wherever horses are kept, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Horse Stomach Bot Fly can be found

Is Horse Stomach Bot Fly Dangerous?

Horse Stomach 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.

Horse Stomach Bot Fly Role in Nature

Horse Stomach Bot Fly plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Horse Stomach 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

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Stomach Bot Fly

What does Horse Stomach Bot Fly look like?

The Horse Stomach Bot Fly typically measures 12-16 mm.

Where is Horse Stomach Bot Fly found?

The Horse Stomach Bot Fly is found in Cosmopolitan wherever horses are kept and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does Horse Stomach Bot Fly eat?

The Horse Stomach Bot Fly has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Horse Stomach Bot Fly dangerous to humans?

The Horse Stomach Bot Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Horse Stomach Bot Fly?

Larvae survive the acidic horse stomach by secreting a protective alkaline buffer around themselves.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Horse Stomach Bot Fly (Gasterophilus intestinalis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/horse-stomach-bot-fly

MLA:
"Horse Stomach Bot Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/horse-stomach-bot-fly.