Hippoboscidae
Noun 1. A family of parasitic flies belonging to the order Diptera, commonly known as louse flies or keds. Members of this family are typically blood-feeding ectoparasites of birds or mammals. They can be winged or wingless.
The word "Hippoboscidae" is used as a formal, scientific term in the fields of entomology, zoology, and veterinary science. It refers to the taxonomic family as a whole. * The veterinarian identified the parasite as a member of the Hippoboscidae. * Research on the Hippoboscidae focuses on their impact on wildlife health.
- The sheep ked (), a wingless species, is a well-known member of the Hippoboscidae.
- Ornithologists often find Hippoboscidae on captured birds during banding studies.
- The life cycle of Hippoboscidae is unique among flies, as the larva develops inside the female until it is ready to pupate.
- The term is often used in its adjectival form, "hippoboscid," to describe characteristics or specimens related to this family.
- The bird was infested with hippoboscid flies.
- In academic writing, it is standard to italicize the word when referring to the formal taxonomic name: .
- hippoboscid (noun/adjective): A fly belonging to the family Hippoboscidae; of or relating to this family.
- louse fly (noun): The common name for flies in the Hippoboscidae family.
- ked (noun): A common name for wingless species of Hippoboscidae, especially those parasitizing mammals (e.g., sheep ked).
- louse flies
- keds (for wingless species parasitizing mammals)
The core meaning of "Hippoboscidae" is strictly taxonomic, referring to a specific biological family. It does not have idiomatic or figurative meanings. All usage relates directly to the parasitic insects themselves.
- winged or wingless dipterans: louse flies