[2][3] In Kalamaili Nature Reserve (KNR), China, G. pecorum is a major problem for the health of Przewalski's horse, which has been reintroduced in the area.

[7] Of the six identified species of Gasterophilus found within the KNR, G. pecorum is responsible for a majority of all botfly infections.

Similar to other members of the genus Gasterophilus, in their last larval stage G. pecorum have a set of hooked mouth parts, which is used to help attach themselves to their host's gastrointestinal tract.

[9][10] Adult G. pecorum similar to other members of Gasterophilus can resemble honey bees, as they have dark patches of brown and yellow hairs.

[11][12][4] Once the egg is consumed by the host, a larva emerges and makes its way into equid's digestive tract where it will remain for 9–10 months to mature, and in the process will go through three larval instars.