Mastoptera
Genus of flies
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mastoptera is a genus of parasitic bat flies in the family Streblidae, a group of highly specialized ectoparasites that exclusively parasitize bats. Members of this genus have evolved to maintain a close relationship with their bat hosts, feeding on their blood and depending on them for survival.
| Mastoptera | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Image of Mastoptera guimaraesi | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Streblidae |
| Genus: | Mastoptera Wenzel, 1966 |
Biology
Host and mechanism
This genus exhibits a high degree of host specificity, relying exclusively on bats as their definitive hosts. They attach to the bat's fur or wing membranes to feed on blood. They typically remain on a single host throughout their life cycle, maintaining attachment into adulthood.[3][failed verification] Mastoptera species are known to parasitize tropical bat species.[4][failed verification]