Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Melophagus

Melophagus

9.9
A small wingless fly that lives on and feeds on sheep
  • noun
  • /mɛˈlɒfəgəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : melófago
  • A Melophagus infestation can cause irritation and affect the quality of sheep wool.

Examples

  • The Melophagus genus is best known for the sheep ked, a common parasite of domestic sheep.

  • Veterinarians often check livestock for infestation by Melophagus species.

  • The Melophagus is known for its parasitic behavior.

  • Farmers often struggle with Melophaguses infesting their sheep.

  • A Melophagus infestation can cause irritation and affect the quality of sheep wool.

  • Veterinarians often check livestock for infestation by Melophagus species.

  • The Melophagus genus is best known for the sheep ked, a common parasite of domestic sheep.

Compounds

Melophagus ovinus
  • Specialized
9.9

A wingless fly that lives on sheep and sometimes cattle and feeds on their blood

Surface Forms

Melophagus singular
Melophaguses plural

Etymology

Melophagus comes from Greek parts melo- and -phagus, where -phagus means 'eater' and melo- refers to 'sheep' or 'wool'; so the name can be remembered as 'sheep-eater', which fits because these flies live on and feed from sheep.