Hippoboscidae

Fly June 2008-2

Hippoboscidae, commonly known as louse flies or keds, are a family of flies within the order Diptera. These flies are ectoparasites, living on the skin of mammals and birds, where they feed on blood. The family Hippoboscidae includes several genera, among which the most well-known are Hippoboscus for mammals and Ornithomya for birds. These flies are of significant interest in both veterinary and medical entomology due to their role in transmitting diseases among their hosts.

Description

Members of the Hippoboscidae family are characterized by their flattened body, which aids in their lifestyle as external parasites. They possess strong legs equipped with claws, enabling them to cling tightly to the fur or feathers of their hosts. Adult flies are typically brownish and range in size, but they generally have a winged form, although some species can lose their wings after finding a suitable host. The mouthparts of these flies are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Hippoboscidae is unique among flies. They exhibit a form of viviparity, where the larvae develop inside the female's body and are born one at a time, fully developed. This adaptation is believed to be an evolutionary response to their parasitic lifestyle, as it minimizes the risk of egg and larval predation. After birth, the larva immediately pupates and undergoes metamorphosis to emerge as an adult fly. This life cycle allows for a rapid increase in population size on a suitable host.

Ecology and Behavior

Hippoboscidae are found worldwide, with their distribution and abundance closely tied to the availability of suitable hosts. They are known to exhibit host specificity, with different species preferring either mammalian or avian hosts. Their behavior is primarily influenced by the need to feed on blood, which drives them to spend their lives attached to their hosts. However, they can occasionally be found off-host, especially when seeking new hosts or mates.

Economic and Health Importance

Louse flies are of economic importance, particularly in the livestock industry, where heavy infestations can lead to decreased productivity in affected animals due to irritation, blood loss, and potential transmission of pathogens. In terms of human health, while they are not typically considered major vectors of human diseases, they can transmit several pathogens to humans and animals, including bacteria and protozoa, which can cause diseases such as anaplasmosis and trypanosomiasis.

Control

Controlling Hippoboscidae populations primarily involves managing their hosts. This can include regular grooming of animals, the use of insecticidal sprays or dips, and maintaining clean living environments to reduce the chances of infestation. In wildlife populations, control measures are more challenging and often focus on monitoring and research to understand the dynamics of fly-host interactions.

Conclusion

The Hippoboscidae family, with its unique adaptations to a parasitic lifestyle, plays a significant role in the ecology of their hosts and can impact both animal health and economic productivity. Understanding their biology and ecology is crucial for developing effective control strategies and mitigating their effects on livestock and, occasionally, human health.