Nycteribiidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Hippoboscoidea
Family: Nycteribiidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nycteribiidae: //nɪkˌtɛrɪˈbɪidae//

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Summary

Nycteribiidae, or bat flies, are a small family of wingless, blood-feeding flies found exclusively on bats. With highly specialized adaptations for parasitism, these insects rarely leave their hosts, displaying unique reproductive strategies and morphological features that set them apart from other flies.

Physical Characteristics

Highly flattened, spiderlike flies without eyes or wings. Reduced compound eyes; some species have no visible eyes or only rudimentary eye spots. Backward folded legs resembling those of spiders; dorsally inserted head.

Identification Tips

Look for wingless, flattened bodies and spiderlike leg posture. Often found in bat fur and are seldom seen away from hosts.

Habitat

Primarily found in the fur of bats, often in tropical regions of the Old World.

Distribution

Worldwide, predominantly in the Old World tropics, with a few species in the Neotropics and Europe.

Diet

Adults are obligate blood feeders on bats; larvae remain with the mother until ready to pupate.

Life Cycle

Adults leave the host only to deposit larvae in safe places for pupation. Females reproduce via a process resembling true viviparity, giving birth to one or more larvae.

Reproduction

Females give birth to one (sometimes more) offspring in a viviparous manner.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as parasites of bats, indicating ecological health of bat populations.

Evolution

The family Nycteribiidae is part of the true fly superfamily Hippoboscoidea and shares close evolutionary relationships with the Streblidae family of bat flies. Monophyly of bat flies remains under scrutiny.

Similar Taxa

Streblidae

Misconceptions

Often overlooked due to their habitat (in bat fur) and appearance, leading to a lack of general awareness about their distinct characteristics.