Larviparous
Guides
Celatoria
Celatoria is a genus of tachinid flies whose larvae are parasitoids of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents for agricultural pests, particularly Diabrotica species and the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum). The genus includes both New World species with documented host associations in cucurbit and maize agroecosystems.
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 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.
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.
Helicobia
flesh flies
Helicobia is a genus of flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) comprising at least 30 described species. Members are necrophagous and associated with decomposing animal matter. The genus has been studied for its forensic importance, particularly in estimating postmortem intervals. Research on Helicobia aurescens has provided detailed life cycle data and ultrastructural descriptions of immature stages.
Hippobosca longipennis
dog fly, louse fly, blind fly
Hippobosca longipennis is an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasitic fly in the family Hippoboscidae. It primarily infests wild and domestic carnivores, particularly canids and hyaenids, but has been recorded on felids and occasionally humans. The species is larviparous, with females producing 10–15 larvae during a lifetime of four to five months. It serves as an intermediate host for the filarial nematode Dipetalonema dracunculoides (now Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides) and has been implicated as a potential vector for other pathogens. Native to Africa, it has spread to the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Europe through transport on zoo animals and domestic dogs.
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.
Oestrinae
Nose Bot Flies
Oestrinae is a subfamily of bot flies (Oestridae) comprising 9 genera and 34 species of obligate mammalian parasites. Larvae develop within the nasal, pharyngeal, and frontal cavities of deer, sheep, and related ungulates, feeding on cellular debris and mucosal secretions. Adult females are larviparous, depositing live larvae directly into host nostrils. The subfamily includes economically significant pests of livestock and game animals.
Oestrus
bot flies, sheep bot flies
Oestrus is a genus of bot flies in the family Oestridae, parasitic on mammals. The best-known species, Oestrus ovis, commonly called the sheep bot fly, deposits larvae in the nasal cavities of sheep and goats, where they develop and cause respiratory distress. Adults are non-feeding and have reduced mouthparts. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with records from northern Europe and other temperate regions.
Oestrus ovis
sheep bot fly, sheep nostril fly
Oestrus ovis is an obligate parasitic fly (Diptera: Oestridae) that develops exclusively within the nasal and sinus cavities of sheep and related ungulates. Females are larviparous, depositing live first-instar larvae directly into host nostrils during flight. Larvae develop through three instars within the host before exiting to pupate in soil. The species causes oestrosis, a condition marked by nasal discharge, respiratory distress, and reduced productivity in livestock. Human infestations, though uncommon, have been documented worldwide.
Ornithoica vicina
Ornithoica vicina is a species of louse fly in the family Hippoboscidae, first described by Walker in 1849. This parasitic dipteran is known to infest birds, with a documented host record from the Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus). Louse flies in this family are obligate ectoparasites of birds and mammals, characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and reduced or absent wings in adults, adaptations that facilitate movement through host plumage or fur. The species has been recorded from multiple localities including Brazil and Hawaii.
Sarcophaga
Common Flesh Flies
Sarcophaga is a large genus of true flies (Diptera) comprising over 1000 species worldwide. These flies are commonly known as flesh flies due to the necrophagous habits of many species. Adults are medium to large-sized with characteristic gray coloration, three longitudinal dark stripes on the thorax, and checkered abdominal patterning. Species identification requires microscopic examination of male genitalia due to uniform external morphology. The genus exhibits diverse life histories including necrophagy, coprophagy, parasitism, and parasitoidism.
Sarcophaga bullata
grey flesh fly
Sarcophaga bullata, commonly known as the grey flesh fly, is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae. Adults range from 8 to 17 millimeters in length and are distinguished by grey coloration with three black longitudinal thoracic stripes and a checkered abdominal pattern. The species is larviparous, giving birth to first-instar larvae rather than laying eggs. It is widely distributed across the Nearctic region and has become increasingly important in forensic entomology for post-mortem interval estimation.
Sarcophaga johnsoni
Sarcophaga johnsoni is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Aldrich in 1916. Like other members of the genus Sarcophaga, this species exhibits the characteristic gray thorax with three longitudinal black stripes and checkered abdominal pattern typical of flesh flies. The species is placed in the subgenus Wohlfahrtiopsis within the genus Sarcophaga. Identification to species level requires examination of male genitalia due to the uniform external morphology shared among many sarcophagid species.
Sarcophaga nearctica
Sarcophaga nearctica is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, a group of necrophagous flies frequently encountered in forensic entomology contexts. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to decomposing organic matter including carrion. The species was described by Parker in 1916. Flesh flies in this family are distinguished by their reproductive strategy of larviparity (depositing live larvae rather than eggs) and their characteristic thoracic pattern of black and gray stripes.
Sarcophaga pleskei
flesh fly
Sarcophaga pleskei is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Rohdendorf in 1937. The genus Sarcophaga is characterized by larviparous reproduction (depositing live larvae rather than eggs) and association with decomposing organic matter. Species in this genus are morphologically similar and often require examination of male genitalia for definitive identification. Distribution records indicate presence in Norway and Sweden.
Sarcophagidae
flesh flies, satellite flies
Sarcophagidae is a large family of calyptrate flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as flesh flies due to the necrophagous habits of many species. The family comprises approximately 2,842 species worldwide, with peak diversity in the Neotropics. Unlike most flies, sarcophagids are larviparous, depositing live first-instar larvae rather than eggs onto carrion, dung, decaying organic matter, or open wounds. The family includes three subfamilies with diverse life histories: Sarcophaginae (necrophagous, saprophagous, and parasitoid species), Miltogramminae (kleptoparasitic), and Paramacronychiinae (predatory or parasitoid). Species such as Wohlfahrtia magnifica and Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis cause traumatic myiasis in livestock and humans. Due to their early colonization of carcasses, sarcophagids are important forensic indicators for postmortem interval estimation.
Senotainia
satellite flies
Senotainia is a genus of satellite flies in the family Sarcophagidae, subfamily Miltogramminae, containing over 70 described species. These flies are kleptoparasites and parasitoids primarily associated with solitary wasps and bees. Species such as Senotainia tricuspis are significant pests of honey bees (Apis mellifera), causing senotainiosis through larviparous parasitism. Other species including S. vigilans and S. trilineata parasitize thread-waisted wasps and other fossorial hymenopterans. The genus exhibits a distinctive reproductive strategy where females deposit live first-instar larvae directly onto hosts or at nest entrances rather than laying eggs.
Senotainia vigilans
satellite fly
Senotainia vigilans is a satellite fly in the family Sarcophagidae, subfamily Miltogramminae. The species is a known parasite of solitary wasp nests, particularly those of the thread-waisted wasp Ammophila procera. Female flies follow prey-laden female wasps back to their burrows and deposit live larvae at the nest entrance. These larvae then enter the burrow and parasitize the developing wasp larvae. The species was described by Allen in 1924.
Wohlfahrtia
Wohlfahrtia is a genus of flesh flies in the family Sarcophagidae comprising at least 20 described species. Species within this genus are known facultative parasites that cause traumatic myiasis in mammals, including livestock and humans. Larvae develop in wounds or necrotic tissue, with some species serving as forensic indicators for postmortem interval estimation. The genus exhibits larviparous reproduction, with females depositing larvae directly onto suitable substrates.
Wohlfahrtia vigil
fox maggot, myiasis fly
Wohlfahrtia vigil is a flesh fly (Sarcophagidae) known for causing myiasis in mammals. The species has been studied for its laboratory rearing methods and behavioral characteristics. Adults are active during warmer months and females deposit larvae on or near hosts rather than laying eggs.