Sheep Ked vs Twin-spot Centurion
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sheep Ked | Twin-spot Centurion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melophagus ovinus | Sargus bipunctatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Hippoboscidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 8-13 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Cosmopolitan - worldwide where sheep are raised | Europe |
| 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.
Twin-spot Centurion
A metallic bronze-green soldier fly with two characteristic pale spots on the frons. It is one of the most common stratiomyids in Europe, found basking on ivy flowers in autumn.
Did You Know?
It is one of the last flies to be active in autumn, still visiting ivy flowers well into November.