Deer Bot Flies

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cephenemyia: /sɛfəˈniːmiə/

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Summary

The genus Cephenemyia, commonly known as deer botflies, are large flies whose larvae are endoparasitic in deer, moose, and elk. Adults do not feed and are short-lived, serving primarily to reproduce. They are significant for their parasitic relationships with cervids but generally cause only mild irritation to their hosts.

Physical Characteristics

Large, gray-brown flies, often mimicking bumblebees. Larvae mature to a size of 25 to 36 mm (0.98 to 1.42 in).

Identification Tips

Adults are bumblebee mimics; they do not have functional/visible mouthparts and do not feed as adults.

Habitat

Found in various habitats across North America, particularly near host animals in forests and grasslands.

Distribution

Widespread in most of North America excluding the Great Plains and parts of the southeastern United States. Species in Europe include C. auribarbis and C. pratti.

Diet

Adults do not feed; larvae are the only feeding stages and are obligate parasites of deer and related species.

Life Cycle

Laid as eggs which hatch in the female, larvae are deposited in host nostrils, migrate to throat region, develop there, and then expel to pupate in soil. Adults emerge in 2-3 weeks. Life cycles can vary, lasting up to 6 months in winter and about 3 months in summer.

Reproduction

Eggs hatch inside the female fly, and larvae are ejected into the nostrils of a suitable host. Mating occurs quickly after emergence.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae are endoparasitic, affecting populations of deer and similar mammals.

Cultural Significance

Described by Aristotle in ancient texts. The name 'deer botfly' indicates its relationship with cervids.

Health Concerns

Heavy infestation of larvae can lead to fatal suffocation of hosts; however, mild irritation is more common.

Collecting Methods

• Capturing adult flies with nets while they hover near host species.

Preservation Methods

• Preservation in alcohol or freezing for morphological studies.

Similar Taxa

• Other members of the family Oestridae and various botflies.

Misconceptions

Historically misidentified as the fastest flying insects with speeds reported of 800 miles per hour, which has been debunked.

Tags

• Cephenemyia
• Deer Bot Flies
• Oestridae
• Parasitic Flies
• Entomology