Adenotrophic-viviparity
Guides
Hippoboscoidea
Louse Flies, Tsetse Flies, and Allies, Pupipara
Hippoboscoidea is a superfamily of calyptrate flies comprising four families: Glossinidae (tsetse flies), Hippoboscidae (louse flies or ked flies), Nycteribiidae (bat flies), and Streblidae (bat flies). All members are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of mammals or birds. The superfamily is distinguished by adenotrophic viviparity, in which larvae develop internally and are deposited as fully-formed prepupae. Some members serve as vectors for significant pathogens, including trypanosomes that cause African sleeping sickness and nagana.
Melophagus ovinus
Sheep Ked, Sheep Louse Fly, Sheep Tick
Melophagus ovinus, commonly known as the sheep ked, is a wingless, blood-feeding ectoparasite of domestic sheep. Unlike most flies, females produce one offspring at a time through adenotrophic viviparity—larvae develop internally, feeding on secretions from milk glands, and are deposited as fully-formed prepupae that quickly harden into pupae. Populations exhibit strong seasonality, building rapidly in late winter to peak in April–May, then declining through summer. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution wherever sheep are present and is of veterinary significance, though it is not an effective vector for Anaplasma ovis.
Pseudolynchia canariensis
pigeon louse fly, pigeon fly
Pseudolynchia canariensis is an obligate ectoparasitic louse fly in the family Hippoboscidae that specializes on pigeons and doves (Columbidae). It is a significant vector of Haemoproteus columbae, the causative agent of pigeon malaria, serving as the definitive host where sexual reproduction of the parasite occurs. The species exhibits adenotrophic viviparity, producing one prepupa at a time that is deposited in the host's nest or roosting site. Both sexes feed exclusively on blood. The fly has been documented in numerous regions worldwide, particularly where domestic pigeons are kept, and shows limited ability to survive on human blood.