Bot Flies and Warble Flies

Family Oestridae

Ox warble fly (Hypoderma lineatum). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

The larvae are parasites of mammals and they live inside the host. Larvae live under the skin, in nasal cavities or in the gut. Some are important pests of livestock. Oestridae are medium to very large, stout bodied flies. Most species are hairy and look like honey bees or bumble bees. Adults have very small mouthparts or none at all and do not feed.