Sheep Nostril Fly - Oestrus ovis
The adult fly is 10 to 12mm, and has a dull grey, slightly hairy abdomen, and pale brown head.
This species can be identified with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with. Please provide a photograph to support your record, and if possible please retain the specimen until identification has been confirmed.
Areas where the host animals are found.
Peak times are spring and late summer.
The eggs of Oestrus ovis are hatched while still inside the female fly, who deposits a droplet containing a few live 1mm larvae on the nose of a sheep or other chosen host. The larvae enter the nasal passage where they can grow to 20mm.
Seems to be widespread in England and Wales, but status is difficult to determine due to lack of records
Rarely recorded In Leicestershire & Rutland
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020
UK Map
Species profile
- Common names
- Sheep Nostril Fly
- Species group:
- insect - true fly (Diptera)
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
- Order:
- Diptera
- Family:
- Oestridae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 1
- First record:
- 14/07/2022 (Sexton, Timothy)
- Last record:
- 14/07/2022 (Sexton, Timothy)
Total records by month
% of records within its species group
10km squares with records
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