Nycteribiidae

Definition

A family of obligate ectoparasitic flies in the superfamily Hippoboscoidea (order Diptera), commonly called bat flies. Adults are wingless, dorsoventrally flattened, and possess strong claws for clinging to bat fur; they complete their entire life cycle on the host. Together with Streblidae, they represent the most specialized radiation of dipteran ectoparasitism on mammals.

Etymology

From Greek nyktēr, 'bat' + bios, 'life' + -idae (family suffix)

Example

Penicillidia conspicua, a nycteribiid widespread on European bats, exhibits pupiparity—females deposit fully developed larvae that immediately pupate in the bat roost.

Synonyms

• bat flies (with Streblidae)

Related Terms

• Streblidae
• Hippoboscoidea
• Diptera
• Ectoparasite
• pupiparity
• Phoresy
• chiropteran host

Usage Notes

Nycteribiidae are frequently grouped informally with Streblidae as 'bat flies,' though this assemblage may not be monophyletic; Streblidae retain functional wings in many species, whereas nycteribiids are universally wingless as adults. The family is distinguished from other Hippoboscoidea (louse flies, tsetse flies) by host specificity to bats and extreme morphological reduction.