Sheep Ked vs Common Pollen Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sheep Ked | Common Pollen Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melophagus ovinus | Brassicogethes aeneus |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Hippoboscidae | Nitidulidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Cosmopolitan - worldwide where sheep are raised | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Common Pollen Beetle
A tiny iridescent green-black beetle that congregates in yellow flowers to feed on pollen. It is a major pest of oilseed rape crops.
Did You Know?
On warm days they can be so numerous on yellow flowers that a single buttercup may contain a dozen individuals.