Mouse Bot Fly
ExploreInsects
Mouse Bot Fly
Cuterebra fontinella
The Mouse Bot Fly is a special insect that lays its eggs on small mammals. When the eggs hatch, the tiny larvae find a cozy home inside the host animal, which is a unique way to grow up!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Mouse Bot Fly is a stout, hairy insect resembling a bumblebee. Its dark body is covered in dense black and sometimes yellow or orange bristles. Large dark eyes stand out, making it look quite distinct.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyOestridaeGenusCuterebra
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Mouse Bot Flies have no mouthparts and cannot eat!
An adult fly lives for only about a week, focusing just on laying eggs!
Their larvae breathe through a small hole they make in their host's skin!
These furry flies often look like bumblebees but they are harmless to humans!
Special abilities
Ability
Target Tracker
Mouse Bot Fly can find and lay eggs near small mammal burrows because of its keen sense of smell that helps ensure larvae find a host.
Ability
Undercover Invader
Mouse Bot Fly has larvae that develop safely under a host's skin that helps them feed and grow protected from outside dangers.
Ability
Energy Hoarder
Mouse Bot Fly adults don't eat because they store enough energy as larvae, which helps them focus solely on mating and egg-laying.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-35 mm
- Size
- 10-18 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-10 days
- Flight Speed
- 20-30 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults don't eat, but larvae feed on the tissues and fluids of small animals.
Age differences: Adults do not feed; larvae parasitize small mammals.
Primary Foods
- Blood
- Lymph
- Tissue fluids
Ecological connections
parasitizes
White-footed mouse
Peromyscus leucopus
larvae develop beneath its skin
parasitizes
Meadow vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
a common host for the larvae
eats
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Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
adult flies are a food source
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Parasitic
This trait describes organisms that live on or in a host organism, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
It's best to watch insects from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mouse Bot Fly's wingspan?
20-35 mm
How big is Mouse Bot Fly?
10-18 mm
How long does Mouse Bot Fly live?
5-10 days
How fast can Mouse Bot Fly fly?
20-30 km/h
What does Mouse Bot Fly eat?
Adults don't eat, but larvae feed on the tissues and fluids of small animals.
Where is Mouse Bot Fly usually found?
Grasslands
How many legs does Mouse Bot Fly have?
6
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