Deer Ked

Lipoptena cervi

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Hippoboscoidea
Family: Hippoboscidae
Subfamily: Lipopteninae
Genus: Lipoptena
Species: cervi

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lipoptena cervi: /lɪˈpɒptəna ˈsɛrvi/

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Summary

Lipoptena cervi, or deer ked, is a blood-feeding insect associated with the deer family, common in the Palaearctic regions and introduced to parts of North America. They are known for shedding their wings after finding a host and live a parasitic lifestyle, primarily feeding on the blood of deer.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are 5-7 mm long and brownish in color. Their bodies are flat and elastic, which makes their removal difficult.

Identification Tips

Look for a small, flat-bodied fly that is brownish in color and poor at flying. They often shed their wings once they find a host.

Habitat

Temperate areas of Europe, Siberia, and northern China. They have been introduced and are established in portions of the Eastern United States.

Distribution

Found throughout most of Europe (including Great Britain and Ireland), Algeria, eastern Siberia, northern China, and introduced to the Eastern United States (NH, MA, PA, ID, NY).

Diet

Lipoptena cervi is a blood-feeding ectoparasite, feeding on the blood of its hosts, which include deer and elk.

Life Cycle

Both males and females consume blood from hosts. The female retains a developing larva in her body, which feeds on secretions from a 'milk gland' before being born as a fully mature prepupa. The prepupa then pupates on the forest floor or among the bedding of deer.

Reproduction

The female produces one larva at a time and can produce larvae for up to 10 months. Upon birth, the prepupal larva is fully developed and darkens before pupating.

Ecosystem Role

As a blood-feeding parasite, they play a role in the ecosystem as a host for pathogens and may influence host populations.

Cultural Significance

Remains of L. cervi have been found on Ötzi, the Stone Age mummy, indicating their long-standing presence in human history.

Health Concerns

Bites can elicit a range of reactions in humans, from minimal to highly allergic responses, with significant itching and irritation lasting up to 20 days. They have been associated with pathogens that affect both humans and animals, though their role as vectors remains unclear.

Collecting Methods

Use of insect nets in areas where deer are present
Sticky traps baited with host scents

Preservation Methods

Pinning specimens for dry preservation
Setting in ethanol for molecular studies

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

While capable of biting humans, they primarily target deer and do not often infest humans. Their association with disease is still under investigation, and they are not considered major vectors.