Cervid-parasite
Guides
Cephenemyia
deer botfly, deer nose bot, nasal bot fly
Cephenemyia is a genus of bot flies in the family Oestridae, commonly known as deer bot flies or nasal bot flies. These large, robust flies are specialized parasites of cervid ungulates (deer, elk, moose, caribou), with larvae developing in the nasal passages, pharynx, and throat of their hosts. The genus exhibits remarkable mimicry of bumblebees in appearance and behavior. Females are larviparous, depositing active first-instar larvae directly onto hosts. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with multiple species in North America and Eurasia.
Cephenemyia phobifer
pharyngeal bot of white-tailed deer
Cephenemyia phobifer is a parasitic bot fly (family Oestridae) that develops in the pharyngeal region of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The species exhibits probable larviposition, with females depositing live larvae directly onto or near hosts rather than laying eggs. It has a northeastern Nearctic distribution and completes two generations annually, with winter and summer cycles differing in duration.
Lipoptena cervi
Deer Ked, Deer Fly, European Deer Ked
Lipoptena cervi is a blood-feeding ectoparasitic fly in the family Hippoboscidae, commonly known as the deer ked or European deer ked. Native to Eurasia, it has been introduced to North America and is now invasive in the northeastern United States. Adults are initially winged but shed their wings after locating a host, becoming permanently attached to cervid mammals. The species is a significant nuisance to hunters, hikers, and deer processors due to its persistent biting behavior and apparent resistance to common insect repellents.
Lipoptena mazamae
Neotropical deer ked, Neotropical deer louse fly
Lipoptena mazamae is an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasitic fly in the family Hippoboscidae. Adults emerge winged from puparia, then shed their wings permanently upon locating a suitable host. The species is primarily associated with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the southeastern United States and red brocket deer (Mazama americana) from Mexico to northern Argentina. Both sexes feed on host blood. Females are larviparous, retaining and nourishing a single larva internally until it is ready to pupate.