Hypoderma bovis

insect

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Hypoderma bovis is a species of warble fly, also known as a cattle grub. These large, heavy flies are found in Europe and North America.12

Female warble flies lay their eggs on cattle. The larvae then burrow into the animal's skin, migrating through its body for months. This migration causes a visible lump, or warble, on the animal's back, which has a breathing hole.2

Once mature, the larvae emerge from the cattle and pupate on the ground, eventually transforming into adult flies. The warbles created by these larvae can reduce the commercial value of the cowhide. Insecticides can be used to control these pests in cattle.2

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warble fly
…bot, flies Hypoderma lineatum and H. bovis are large, heavy, and beelike. The females deposit their eggs on the legs of cattle. The larvae penetrate the skin, migrate through the body for several months, and produce a characteristic lump, or warble, on the animal’s back. The warble contains a hole,…
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…bot, flies Hypoderma lineatum and H. bovis are large, heavy, and beelike. The females deposit their eggs on the legs of cattle. The larvae penetrate the skin, migrate through the body for several months, and produce a characteristic lump, or warble, on the animal’s back. The warble contains a hole,…
Read More

bot fly
…warble flies (Hypoderma lineatum and H. bovis; subfamily Hypodermatinae), young larvae penetrate the skin of cattle and migrate through the body for several months until they come to rest beneath the skin of the animal’s back. There each larva causes a characteristic lump, or warble, from which a cattle grub…
Read More
…warble flies (Hypoderma lineatum and H. bovis; subfamily Hypodermatinae), young larvae penetrate the skin of cattle and migrate through the body for several months until they come to rest beneath the skin of the animal’s back. There each larva causes a characteristic lump, or warble, from which a cattle grub…
Read More