Diagnosis. Large flies; body bare or densely haired (bumblebee-mimics) and without setae. Head with very small antennae; mouth parts strongly reduced; clypeus not shield-like. Thorax with rather flat postscutellum (Cephenemyiinae) or with postscutellum strongly swollen postscutellum (Oestrinae); hypopleural setae absent. Wing with small calyptrae; M bent forward, top cell stalked or open.
Biology. Oestridae are obligatory parasites of mammals, especially Artiodactyla. The host range of each species is limited to one or a very few species. Oestridae are larviparous; the female ejects the larvae in the host's nostrils while hovering in front of the host. The larvae migrate to the nasal cavities and, in most cases, later into the pharynx. The number of larvae per host varies from a few up to 150. Full-grown larvae are sneezed out by the host after which pupation takes place in the ground. The adults do not feed, although they are sometimes found on flowers. Due to their general inactivity, the flies are very difficult to find in the field. Hill-topping is observed in many species of Oestridae.
General references. Draber-Monko (1978 [keys]), Grunin (1969 [keys]), Minář (2000c [general, key to genera]), Séguy (1928 [keys to adults]), Soós & Minář (1986b [catalogue]), Wood (1987a [general, key to genera]), Zeegers (1992 [key], 1998b [behaviour]).
References to the local fauna. Van Aartsen & Zeegers (1992, 1999), Zeegers (1992, 1998b).
How to quote this page: Zeegers, Th., 2001. Family Oestridae. In: Beuk, P.L.Th. (Ed.): Checklist of the Diptera of the Netherlands, https://diptera-info.nl/news.php?fam=Oestridae (date accessed: 19/04/2025).
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