Horse Stomach Bot Fly
Gasterophilus intestinalis
This record describes Gasterophilus intestinalis (species). Recorded family: Oestridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
can cause medical problems in humans, such as ocular myasis
Wikipedia reference for Gasterophilus intestinalis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasterophilus_intestinalis.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, now cosmopolitan; adventive and widespread in NA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Primary hosts are horses
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gasterophilus intestinalis (DeGeer 1776)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Gasterophilus intestinalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Horse Stomach Bot Fly (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Stomach Bot Fly
What is Horse Stomach Bot Fly?
Horse Stomach Bot Fly (Gasterophilus intestinalis) is a species in the family Oestridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Horse Stomach Bot Fly found?
Range: native to Europe, now cosmopolitan; adventive and widespread in NA
What does Horse Stomach Bot Fly eat?
The diet of the Horse Stomach Bot Fly includes Primary hosts are horses.