Deer-parasite
Guides
Cephenemyia apicata
nose bot fly
Cephenemyia apicata is a nose bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus). First instar larvae develop in the deer's bronchi for 6–8 months before migrating to retropharyngeal pouches. Adult males aggregate at elevated stands of Castanopsis and Quercus in California, with activity occurring from April through July when air temperatures reach 20°C. Females exhibit a distinctive visible attack behavior, landing on or near deer and eliciting curiosity before larvipositing into nostrils.
Cephenemyia jellisoni
nose bot fly
A parasitic bot fly whose larvae develop in the nasal passages and pharyngeal recesses of deer. Adults are active during warm periods and exhibit specific mating aggregations on elevated vegetation. The species shows a covert attacking strategy when larvipositing, remaining undetected by hosts until the moment of larval deposition.
Lipoptena
deer ked, louse fly, ked fly
Lipoptena is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising approximately 30 described species of obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites primarily associated with deer and other cervids. Adults are initially winged but shed their wings upon locating a host, becoming permanently attached and resembling ticks in appearance. Several species have expanded their ranges through human-mediated transport of hosts, with L. cervi (European deer ked) now invasive in northeastern North America. Members of this genus are increasingly recognized as nuisance pests for hunters and outdoor recreationists, and as potential vectors of bacterial pathogens including Bartonella species.
Lipoptena depressa
Western American deer ked
Lipoptena depressa, the Western American deer ked, is a blood-feeding louse fly (family Hippoboscidae) and ectoparasite specialized on deer. Adults are initially winged but shed wings upon locating a host, after which they remain permanently on the host animal. The species is native to western North America and is one of three Lipoptena species found on the continent.