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Glite Dictionary
hippoboscid

hippoboscid

9.9
A small flat fly that sucks blood from birds and mammals
  • noun
  • /ˌhɪpəˈbɒskɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hipoboscido
  • Researchers discovered several hippoboscids infesting the nests of wild birds.

Examples

  • Some species of hippoboscid flies are commonly found on sheep and horses.

  • The hippoboscid is known for its flattened body, which helps it remain attached to its host.

  • The hippoboscid landed on the bird's back.

  • Many hippoboscids are found in tropical regions.

  • Researchers discovered several hippoboscids infesting the nests of wild birds.

  • Some species of hippoboscid flies are commonly found on sheep and horses.

  • The hippoboscid is known for its flattened body, which helps it remain attached to its host.

Synonyms

louse fly
vshippoboscid
  • Specialized
9.9

A small insect that sucks blood and lives in feathers or fur

refers to the same fly using the family name without habitat detail

Surface Forms

hippoboscid singular
hippoboscids plural

Morphology

hippoboscid = Hippobosca + Hippoboscidae (opaque) = hippo + bosc + id

Although 'hippo-' can suggest 'horse' to some learners, the term is a technical taxonomic formation from Greek combining forms and a scientific suffix '-id', so the meaning is not derivable by a typical B1 learner.

Etymology

Hippoboscid comes from Greek parts hippo- 'horse' and bosca 'feeder'. So, it literally means a 'horse-feeder', which helps you remember that these are bloodsucking flies that live on horses and other animals.