Haematobosca alcis

(Snow, 1891)

Moose Fly

Haematobosca alcis, commonly known as the moose fly, is a blood-feeding muscid fly specifically associated with Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi) in Yellowstone National Park. The was first described by Snow in 1891 and is one of the few Muscidae species specialized for on large mammals. Its reflects this obligate relationship.

Haematobosca alcis by (c) Quinten Wiegersma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinten Wiegersma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Haematobosca alcis: //ˌhiːmətoʊˈbɒskə ˈælsɪs//

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Habitat

Yellowstone National Park; areas occupied by Shiras moose

Distribution

North America; specifically abundant in Yellowstone National Park. GBIF records indicate presence in Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE).

Diet

Blood (); feeds specifically on Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi)

Host Associations

Alces alces shirasi - obligate blood Shiras moose; the ' derives from this association

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Haematobia alcis by Snow in 1891; later transferred to Haematobosca. The basionym reflects its initial placement in a genus now restricted to certain livestock-associated flies.