Definition & Meaning of "horse botfly"

What is a "horse botfly"?

A horse botfly is a species of fly that specifically targets horses as its host. Adult female botflies lay their eggs on the horse's coat, which the horse then ingests while grooming. The eggs hatch inside the horse's mouth and the larvae migrate to the stomach and intestines, where they attach themselves to the lining and feed on the horse's tissues and fluids. This parasitic infestation can lead to digestive disturbances, discomfort, and in severe cases, even colic. The larvae eventually pass out of the horse's body and pupate in the soil before emerging as adult botflies to continue the life cycle.