Fleck-winged Hoverfly vs Sheep Ked
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fleck-winged Hoverfly | Sheep Ked |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dasysyrphus albostriatus | Melophagus ovinus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Hippoboscidae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Cosmopolitan - worldwide where sheep are raised |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Fleck-winged Hoverfly
A woodland hoverfly with white crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is one of the earliest hoverflies to appear in spring.
Did You Know?
It is sometimes called the white-striped hoverfly because of the distinctive pale marks on its dark abdomen.
Sheep Ked
A completely wingless, tick-like blood-sucking fly that lives permanently in sheep wool. Its flattened body and strong claws allow it to cling firmly to wool fibers.
Did You Know?
Despite being called a ked or tick, it is actually a true fly that has completely lost its wings through evolution.