Hippoboscids

Hippoboscids are a family of flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as horseflies. They are characterized by their large size, robust bodies, and distinctive mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking blood. Hippoboscids are ectoparasites, feeding on the blood of mammals, including humans. The family includes several genera, with the most well-known being Hippobosca, which contains the common horsefly. These flies are often found near their hosts, particularly in areas with high concentrations of mammals, such as farms and forests. Hippoboscids have a worldwide distribution, with species found on every continent except Antarctica. Their life cycle typically involves an egg, larva, pupa, and adult stage. The larvae are often found in decaying organic matter, such as animal dung or carcasses. Hippoboscids play a role in the ecosystem by controlling mammal populations, although they can also be a nuisance to humans due to their painful bites.