Flat Fly (or Louse Fly)

Natural Habitat

Typically found on host animals such as birds or mammals, though often seen in wooded areas or hitchhiking on vehicles and clothing.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate blood feeders; both males and females consume the blood of their specific vertebrate hosts.

Behavior Patterns

They are highly specialized parasites with flattened bodies that allow them to move easily through fur or feathers. Many species lose their wings or are flightless after finding a host.

Risks & Benefits

They can be annoying biters to humans if their primary host is unavailable; while generally not primary vectors for human disease, they can cause skin irritation or secondary infections in hosts.

Identified on: 5/13/2026