Bat Flies

Streblidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Streblidae: /ˈstrɛ.blɪˌdaɪ/

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

Summary

Streblidae, or bat flies, are a family of flies that are ectoparasitic on bats, often exhibiting a high degree of host specificity. They encompass about 240 species across multiple genera and subfamilies, with significant variation in morphology and life cycle adaptations towards their bat hosts.

Physical Characteristics

Variable degree of eye reduction; compound eyes highly reduced with some species having only rudimentary eye spots; ocelli absent. Wing morphology varies, with some species having fully functional wings while others have reduced or no wings at all.

Identification Tips

Look for winged or wingless ectoparasites on bats; identification can be species-specific based on the host species they are associated with.

Habitat

Ectoparasitic dwellers primarily found on bats in various habitats depending on the host species.

Distribution

Worldwide; three subfamilies are restricted to the New World, while two are found in the Old World.

Diet

Bat blood; species are typically host-specific and adapted to particular areas of their host's body.

Life Cycle

Larviparous; larvae are usually deposited on the host.

Ecosystem Role

Ectoparasites of bats, with potential impacts on bat health and populations.

Evolution

The monophyly of the family has not been supported. There is a possibility of splitting into Old World and New World lineages.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse bat flies with other ectoparasites; they are a distinct group with unique adaptations to bat hosts.