Larviparity
Guides
Lipoptena
deer ked, louse fly, ked fly
Lipoptena is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising approximately 30 described species of obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites primarily associated with deer and other cervids. Adults are initially winged but shed their wings upon locating a host, becoming permanently attached and resembling ticks in appearance. Several species have expanded their ranges through human-mediated transport of hosts, with L. cervi (European deer ked) now invasive in northeastern North America. Members of this genus are increasingly recognized as nuisance pests for hunters and outdoor recreationists, and as potential vectors of bacterial pathogens including Bartonella species.
Lipopteninae
Lipopteninae is a subfamily of louse flies (Hippoboscidae) comprising three genera: Lipoptena, Melophagus, and Neolipoptena. All members are obligate ectoparasites of mammals. The subfamily was established by Speiser in 1908. Species in this group exhibit morphological adaptations for clinging to host fur or hair, including dorsoventrally flattened bodies and strong claws. Notable species include the deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) and the sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus), both of which are economically significant parasites.
Sarcophaga aldrichi
Friendly Fly, Large Flesh Fly
Sarcophaga aldrichi is a parasitoid flesh fly commonly known as the friendly fly or large flesh fly. It is a specialized parasitoid of the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria), depositing live larvae into host cocoons where they consume the pupating caterpillars. The species exhibits distinctive delayed population dynamics, with outbreaks occurring one year after peak host caterpillar abundance. Adults are frequently encountered in large numbers during outbreak years, sometimes becoming a nuisance to humans despite being harmless.
Senotainia trilineata
Three-lined satellite fly
Senotainia trilineata is a satellite fly in the family Sarcophagidae, subfamily Miltogramminae. It is a kleptoparasitic fly that targets the nests of solitary wasps, particularly species in the families Crabronidae and Sphecidae. The female fly deposits live larvae (larviposits) on or near paralyzed prey being transported by host wasps, or directly at nest entrances. The fly larvae then consume the provisioned prey intended for the wasp's offspring. This species has been documented as a parasite of multiple wasp genera including Ammophila, Cerceris, Hoplisoides, and Aphilanthops, and has also been recorded parasitizing the jewel beetle Phaenops vandykei.