Louse fly (keds), likely a sheep ked

Parasites of sheep and occasionally goats, living among dense wool or hair; found wherever infested livestock occur.

Adults blood-feed on their host, piercing skin several times daily. Larvae develop internally and are nourished by “milk” glands, then are deposited as mature pupae.

Wingless, flattened adults crawl rapidly through wool and cling tightly to the host. Females produce one larva at a time, which pupates soon after deposition; populations persist mainly on the animal.

Can cause irritation, wool damage, anemia, and reduced weight or fleece quality, and may transmit some livestock pathogens. It has little direct ecological benefit and is primarily a veterinary pest.