#deer botfly

Deer nose botfly, Cephenemyia stimulator, Oestridae

As the name suggests, the larvae of this species are obligate parasites of cervids (deer). Larvae hatch in the adult female fly’s uterus; she then flies near the host animal and flings them into or near the animal’s nostrils. The larvae migrate down to the base of the host’s throat where they attach, feed, and mature. Mature larvae are ejected out the nose or mouth and pupate in soil.

FYI - DO NOT google more images of this species unless you want to see very graphic, gory photos of the insides of dead deer noses with larvae attached.

All botflies are EXTREMELY cute which is wild since they are sneaky parasites. I saw some absolutely horrific images while searching for botflies to post, particularly of the reindeer botfly, whose larvae live inside the nasal passages of reindeer. Yikes, that’ll turn your stomach.

But look at THIS DUDE?? So dang cute

False.