Botflies, also known as warble flies, heel flies, and gadflies, are flies of the family Oestridae. Their larvae are internal parasites of mammals, some species growing in the host's flesh and others within the gut.

Jul 28, 2025 · In this guide, we’ve answered 54 of the most commonly asked questions about botflies — covering everything from what they are, where they live, and how they infect, to treatment options …

Aug 31, 2024 · Dermatobia hominis is the only botfly species that parasitize humans. Like many botflies, Dermatobia grows within the skin. However, other species grow within their host's gut. Distinguishing …

For example, the rhinoceros botfly — Africa's biggest fly species — singles out white and black rhinos as future hosts for its offspring. Other botflies have evolved to go after horses, camels, cattle, reindeer …

Dec 15, 2025 · What Are Bot Flies And How Do You Get Them? Botflies, also known as warble flies or gadflies, belong to the family Oestridae.

Bot flies are chunky, beelike flies usually with rounded heads. Adults are not commonly seen. The larvae are short, pudgy, segmented grubs that live as parasites in the tissues of animals.

Bot fly is a term referring to any member of the Oestridae family of flies. To reproduce, these flies rely on myiasis, the infestation of host skin for larvae nutrition.

Aug 3, 2025 · Botflies live close to their host species. There are around 150 different species of botflies, which are also called warble flies, heel flies, and gadflies. Approximately 40 species are found in …

Nov 29, 2025 · Bot fly, (family Oestridae), any member of a family of insects in the fly order, Diptera, in which the adults are beelike in appearance and hairy but without bristles.

Aug 26, 2025 · Bot flies are insects known for their parasitic larval stage, which develops within the tissues of mammals. These larvae impact a variety of animal hosts, including humans. Their …