Trypanosoma-vector
Guides
Streblidae
streblid bat flies, bat flies
Streblidae are a family of highly specialized dipteran flies in the superfamily Hippoboscoidea, comprising approximately 237 species in 33 genera. They are obligate ectoparasites of bats, exhibiting extreme morphological adaptations including variable wing reduction (from fully winged to completely wingless), eye degeneration, and dorsoventrally flattened bodies. The family shows pronounced host specificity, with individual fly species typically restricted to particular bat host species. Streblidae are classified as pupiparous flies, meaning females retain and nourish larvae internally until they are deposited as fully developed prepupae.