Hippoboscoidea is a superfamily of the Calyptratae. The flies in this superfamily are blood-feeding obligate parasites of their hosts. Four families are often placed here:
Hippoboscidae, the louse flies or keds, are obligate parasites of mammals and birds. In this family, the winged species can fly at least reasonably well, though others with vestigial or no wings are flightless and highly apomorphic. As usual in their superfamily Hippoboscoidea, most of the larval development takes place within the mother's body, and pupation occurs almost immediately.
Lipoptena cervi, the deer ked or deer fly, is a species of biting fly in the family of louse flies, Hippoboscidae. These flies are commonly encountered in temperate areas of Europe, Siberia, and northern China. They have been introduced to North America. They are parasites of elk, deer, and other deer family members, burrowing through the fur and sucking the blood of the host animals. Adults are only 5–7 mm (0.20–0.28 in) in length and brownish in colour. Their bodies are flat and elastic, making their removal difficult. L. cervi is a poor flier and can only fly for short distances. Once the insect reaches its target, it sheds its wings and starts burrowing through the fur.
Lipoptena is a genus of flies in the family Hippoboscidae, known as louse flies or keds
Crataerina is a genus of louse flies in the family Hippoboscidae. All are parasites of birds, feeding on the blood of various species of Apodidae (swifts) and Hirundinidae. The genus is sometimes spelled Craterina.
Hippoboscinae is a subfamily of the fly family Hippoboscidae. All are parasitic, and unlike some other members of the Hippoboscidae, all Hippoboscinae are winged species.
Lipoptena mazamae, the Neotropical deer ked, is a fly from the family Hippoboscidae. They are blood-feeding parasites of the white-tailed deer - Odocoileus virginianus in the southeastern United States and Central America, the red brocket deer - Mazama americana in Mexico to northern Argentina, and also an incidental parasite of domestic cattle, Cougars - Puma concolor, and man.
Lipoptena depressa, or the Western American deer ked, is species of fly in the family Hippoboscidae. The flies are blood-feeding ectoparasites of mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus and white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus. They are found in the western United States and Canada.
Neolipoptena is a genus of flies in the family Hippoboscidae.
Hippobosca is a genus of flies in the family Hippoboscidae. There are seven known species. There are numerous synonyms.
Pseudolynchia are genus of biting flies in the family of louse flies, Hippoboscidae. There are 5 known species. One of the more well known species is the pigeon louse flyPseudolynchia canariensis. All species are parasites of birds.
Ortholfersia is a genus of biting flies in the family of louse flies, Hippoboscidae. There are 4 known species. All species are parasites of macropods.
Allobosca is a genus of biting flies in the family of louse flies, Hippoboscidae. There is only one known species, Allobosca crassipesSpeiser, 1899. It is a parasite of lemurs. It has only rudimentary wings.
Melophagus ovinus, or the sheep ked, is a brown, hairy fly that resembles a tick. This wingless fly is about 4 to 6 mm long and has a small head; it is a fly from the family Hippoboscidae. They are blood-feeding parasites of sheep. The sheep ked feeds on the blood of its host by inserting its sharp mouthparts into capillaries beneath the skin. The legs of the sheep ked are very strong and tipped with claws. Sheep keds live their whole lives in the wool of sheep. They are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, and underbelly of the host animal. Although they are often referred to as the “sheep tick”, sheep keds spend their entire lifecycle on their hosts, which is distinguishable from the characteristics of a true tick. Additionally, sheep keds have six legs, whereas true ticks have eight legs.
Melophagus is a genus of flies in the family Hippoboscidae. All are wingless.
Phthona is a genus of biting flies in the family of louse flies, Hippoboscidae. There are 3 known species. All are parasite of falconets of the genus Microhierax.
Ornithophila are a genus of biting flies in the family of louse flies, Hippoboscidae. There are two known species. Both species are parasites of birds.
Crataerina melbae is a species of biting fly in the family of louse flies Hippoboscidae. Its hosts are swift species including the Alpine, Pacific, Common and mottled swifts.
Crataerina acutipennis, is a species of biting fly in the family of louse flies Hippoboscidae. Its hosts are swift species including the little, white-rumped, Horus, pallid and plain swifts.
Lipoptena grahami is a species of fly in the family Hippoboscidae. It is found in China.
