Hippoboscidae

Pronunciation
/hip-uh-BOS-i-dee/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
hippoboscid
Plural
hippoboscids

Definition

A family of blood-feeding flies, also known as louse flies or keds, characterized by their specialized body structure adapted to a parasitic lifestyle on birds and mammals.

Full guide

Read the full Hippoboscidae guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.

Etymology

From Greek 'hippos', meaning 'horse', and 'boskos', meaning 'to feed'.

Example

Hippoboscidae flies are commonly found on the bodies of their avian hosts, feeding on blood.

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