Definition

1. Noun:
   • A family of insects: "family Gasterophilidae" is the scientific name for a specific family of parasitic flies commonly known as horse botflies. These insects are obligate internal parasites of equines (horses, donkeys, zebras).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The veterinarian discussed the life cycle of flies in the family Gasterophilidae.
  • Infestation by larvae from the family Gasterophilidae can cause health issues in horses.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: Used in scientific and veterinary literature to precisely identify this group of parasites, distinguishing them from other botfly families (e.g., Oestridae, Cuterebridae).
  • The study focused on the evolutionary history of the family Gasterophilidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Gasterophilidae: The standard form of the family name, often used interchangeably with "family Gasterophilidae."
• Gasterophilus: The principal genus within the family Gasterophilidae. The most common species is , the horse bot fly.
• Botfly / Horse botfly: The common names for insects belonging to this family.
• Bot: Informal term for the parasitic larval stage of these flies.

Synonyms

• Horse botflies: The common name synonym.
• Equine botflies: Another descriptive common name.

Notes

• This term is highly specialized, primarily used in zoology, entomology, and veterinary medicine. It is not typically used in everyday conversation.
• The word "family" in this term is part of the formal taxonomic ranking (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species).

Noun

1. horse botflies