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The species Gasterophilus, is more commonly referred to as the 'Bot fly.' It is an obligate parasite found on horses, donkeys, mules, zebras and elephants.
The species Gasterophilus, is more commonly referred to as the 'Bot fly.' It is an obligate parasite found on horses, donkeys, mules, zebras and elephants.
Infection is particularly common in horses, with around 30-60% infected during the winter months.
Infection is particularly common in horses, with around 30-60% infected during the winter months.
Within the United Kingdom there are three species of veterinary importance;
''G. intestinalis'' which is the most common,''G. nasalis'', and''G. haemorrhoidalis'' which is rare.
''G. nigricornis'' and''G. inermis'' are also of veterinary significance, but not currently within the UK.
'''Scientific Classification'''
'''Scientific Classification'''
===Life Cycle===
===Life Cycle===
L1 are extremely small and motile, and begin devlopment in the mouth, tongue and gums of the host. The development of L1 into L2 occurs on the pharynx. L2 then attaches to the base of the tongue ad slowly migrates to the stomach.
L3 attaches to the squamous gastric mucosa along the margo pliacatus, in the case of '''G. intestinalis'''. '''G. nasalis''' attaches to the dorsoproximal part of the duodenum, and '''G. haemorrhoidalis''' attaches to the gastric epithelium within the stomach.
The larvae then remain and develop within the stomach for around 10-12 months. They mature in the following spring or early summer (generally between May and September), detach from their surface and are passed out in the host faeces. The larvae then penetrate the soil, where they transform into pupae and the flies hatch 30 to 40 days later.
They are only found on pasture, as they do not survive well on stable bedding. The pupae are known to be sensitive to frost, moisture and flooding, so the environmental conditions present play a significant role in the success of the parasite.
[[Image:Gasterophilus.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Fasciola hepatica (Copyright Notafly, Wikimedia Commons) ''']]
[[Image:Gasterophilus.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Fasciola hepatica (Copyright Notafly, Wikimedia Commons) ''']]