Dog Fly
Hippobosca longipennis
This record describes Hippobosca longipennis (species). Recorded family: Hippoboscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
earliest NA record: 1972 (on captive cheetah); may not be established
Wikipedia reference for Hippobosca longipennis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippobosca_longipennis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Hippoboscoidea
- Family
- Hippoboscidae (Louse Flies)
- Subfamily
- Hippoboscinae
- Genus
- Hippobosca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to East Africa, now widespread in the Old World (south of ~45°N), adventive in our area (introduced with zoo animals, detected in OR, CA, GA, TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: original hosts: wild carnivores (Felidae, Viverridae, Hyaenidae, Canidae); now associated with domesticated dogs across Eurasia (south of ~45°N)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hippobosca longipennis Fabricius 1805
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hippobosca longipennis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dog Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Fly
What is Dog Fly?
Dog Fly (Hippobosca longipennis) is a species in the family Hippoboscidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Dog Fly found?
Range: native to East Africa, now widespread in the Old World (south of ~45°N), adventive in our area (introduced with zoo animals, detected in OR, CA, GA, TX)
What does Dog Fly eat?
The diet of the Dog Fly includes original hosts: wild carnivores (Felidae, Viverridae, Hyaenidae, Canidae); now associated with domesticated dogs across Eurasia (south of ~45°N).