Virtual Exhibit on Canada´s Biodiversity

	Habitat Adults: terrestrial Immatures: terrestrial Feeding Habits Adults: non-feeding Immatures: parasitic Size: 9 to 25 mm Flight : strong flier North American Species: 47	Diptera Oestridae Bot flies and warble flies Front Wings: membranous Hind Wings: reduced to halteres Mouthparts: Antenna Length: shorter than body Antenna Shape: straight Front Legs: unmodified Hind Legs: unmodified Special Characteristics: 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.
	Comments: 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.

	Species: Hypoderma lineatum (de Villers) Common Name: Ox warble flies Feeding Habits: The larvae are parasites of cattle Distribution: British Columbia to Quebec Comments: This species is a serious pest of cattle. The female lays eggs on the legs of cattle where the larvae penetrate the skin and migrate to the back and develop in swellings or "warbles" just under the skin. When the larvae reach their maximum size they crawl out of the skin and pupate in the soil.