hippoboscid sp.

This is a louse fly. Louse flies are obligate ectoparasites of birds and mammals. Several species are wingless or lose their wings after settling on a host. Most of the larval development of louse flies takes place within the mother's body and pupation occurs quickly after oviposition. Species of Hippoboscidae can be found as far north as Alaska as far south as Australia.

Order: Diptera
Family: Hippoboscidae

Photograph: © 2011 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 19 August 2011
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45o38'45" N 111o24'02" W)