Ornithomyinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Hippoboscoidea
Family: Hippoboscidae
Subfamily: Ornithomyinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ornithomyinae: //ɔːrˌnɪθoʊˈmaɪənaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Die Versteinerungen des rheinischen Schichtensystems in Nassau. Mit einer kurzgefassten Geognosie dieses Gebietes und mit steter Berücksichtigung analoger Schichten anderer Lander (1850) (14597551968) by Sandberger, Guido, 1821-1869;

Sandberger, Fridolin, 1826-1898. Used under a No restrictions license.

Smithsonian miscellaneous collections (1947) (14744409506) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Fly June 2008-2 by Alvesgaspar. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pigeon louse fly by Zezinho68. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Male and female haem columbae by PlasmodiumLady. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Ornithomyinae is a subfamily of the Hippoboscidae family, consisting of blood-feeding parasites mainly associated with birds. It includes a variety of genera and species, showcasing diverse adaptations to their avian hosts.

Physical Characteristics

Blood-feeding, mostly winged parasites; some species may exhibit specialized features associated with their parasitic lifestyle.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made based on wing veination, body shape, and host specificity; some genera such as Ornithomya and Crataerina are more easily identified due to their distinct appearances.

Habitat

Ornithomyinae primarily inhabit areas where their avian hosts live, often found in nests or near roosting sites.

Distribution

Approximately 24 species in 9 genera reported in this area; worldwide, around 170 species in 16 genera.

Diet

Exclusively blood-feeding as adults, primarily on birds, though some species may feed on mammals.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages; adult females typically lay eggs on or near host species to provide immediate access for larvae.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves oviposition onto the host or in its environment; specifics may vary by genus.

Predators

Predators are not well documented; may be vulnerable to various arthropods and birds that predate small insects.

Ecosystem Role

As blood-feeding parasites, they can influence host populations and bird health; can also serve as transport hosts for various pathogens.

Health Concerns

Some species may act as vectors for diseases that affect birds and potentially other mammals.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Ornithomyinae with other flies that are not parasitic or with other blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes.