About Reindeer Warble Fly
A stout, furry fly that parasitizes reindeer and caribou. Females dart at reindeer to lay eggs on their legs. Larvae burrow through the skin and migrate through the body, creating warble lumps under the back skin.
Did You Know?
The buzzing of this fly causes reindeer to panic and stampede, and heavy infestations can reduce a reindeer's body weight by up to 25 percent.
How to Identify Reindeer Warble Fly
Reindeer Warble Fly (Hypoderma tarandi) belongs to the order Diptera, family Oestridae. Adults typically measure 13-17 mm.
Reindeer Warble Fly Habitat
Reindeer Warble Fly is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada, Alaska. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Reindeer Warble Fly Diet and Feeding
Reindeer Warble 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 Reindeer Warble Fly Found?
Reindeer Warble Fly can be found in Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada, Alaska, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Reindeer Warble Fly can be found
Is Reindeer Warble Fly Dangerous?
Reindeer Warble 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.
Reindeer Warble Fly Role in Nature
Reindeer Warble Fly plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Reindeer Warble 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Reindeer Warble Fly
What does Reindeer Warble Fly look like?
The Reindeer Warble Fly typically measures 13-17 mm.
Where is Reindeer Warble Fly found?
The Reindeer Warble Fly is found in Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada, Alaska and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Reindeer Warble Fly eat?
The Reindeer Warble Fly has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Reindeer Warble Fly dangerous to humans?
The Reindeer Warble Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Reindeer Warble Fly?
The buzzing of this fly causes reindeer to panic and stampede, and heavy infestations can reduce a reindeer's body weight by up to 25 percent.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Reindeer Warble Fly (Hypoderma tarandi). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/reindeer-warble-fly
MLA:
"Reindeer Warble Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/reindeer-warble-fly.