Sheep-ked
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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.