Nose Bot Flies
Oestrinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Oestroidea
- Family: Oestridae
- Subfamily: Oestrinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oestrinae: //ˈiː.strɪˌniː//
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Images
Summary
Oestrinae is a subfamily of parasitic flies known as Nose Bot Flies, comprising 34 species distributed mainly across Africa and Eurasia. They are characterized by their lifecycle, which involves larvae developing within their mammalian hosts, often leading to pest designation for certain species.
Physical Characteristics
Adult flies are typically robust with a characteristic appearance related to their larval development stages. The larvae are often found in the skin or soft tissues of their mammalian hosts.
Identification Tips
Look for robust flies; they can often be found near the nostrils of their hosts, where they give birth to living larvae. The presence of larvae in or around the nostrils of ungulates can also indicate Oestrinae infestation.
Habitat
Oestrinae typically inhabit regions where their mammalian hosts are found, including forests and grasslands across various continents, particularly Africa and Eurasia.
Distribution
Worldwide, with a significant presence in African and Eurasian regions; only Cephenemyia is known to be Holarctic.
Diet
The adult flies do not feed significantly; the larvae feed on tissue; some species are known to consume the host's blood or soft tissues.
Life Cycle
The lifecycle includes egg-laying, with larvae developing in the host's tissues. The adult flies give birth to living larvae rather than laying eggs.
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs through live birth of larvae, which then enter the host's nostrils and feed as they mature.
Predators
Specific predators are not well-documented, but adult flies may fall prey to various insectivorous birds and other insects during their brief adult life.
Ecosystem Role
As parasites, they play a role in regulating ungulate populations and potentially affect the health of their hosts.
Economic Impact
They can be considered pests in livestock and wildlife, leading to economic impacts in agricultural and veterinary sectors.
Health Concerns
While they mainly affect animals, their presence in livestock can cause health concerns and affect productivity; there may also be some risks associated with potential transmission of diseases to humans from infested animals, though direct transmission is rare.
Collecting Methods
- Fly traps near ungulate habitats
- Direct capture using nets
- Observation and collection from host animals during surveys
Preservation Methods
- Preserve specimens in alcohol
- Freeze specimens for DNA analysis
- Pinning for dry collections
Evolution
Evolved from ancestral forms of parasitic flies, Oestrinae shows significant morphological adaptations for their parasitic lifestyle.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse Oestrinae with other types of flies due to their appearance, but they are specifically adapted for a parasitic existence.
Tags
- parasite
- Nose Bot Flies
- Oestridae
- Oestrinae
- Diptera