Winged-louse-fly
Guides
Hippobosca
forest flies, flat flies, iron flies
Hippobosca is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising seven described species. These obligate hematophagous ectoparasites exhibit dorso-ventrally flattened bodies adapted for clinging to host hair or feathers. Unlike many hippoboscids that shed wings after host colonization, Hippobosca species retain fully developed wings throughout life, functioning as temporary parasites that repeatedly leave hosts between blood meals. The genus has broad distribution across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with some species introduced to other regions. Several species are of veterinary and medical significance as vectors of bacterial and protozoan pathogens.