LIPOPTENA CERVI (DIPTERA: HIPPOBOSCIDAE) IN ROE DEER (CAPREOLUS CAPREOLUS)

Abstract

Forest flies, also known as deer keds (Lipoptena cervi), are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites that infest cervids (Cervidae) in Europe, Siberia, China and North America. These flies are vectors of potential zoonotic bacterium Bartonella schoenbuchensis. The aim of this study was to determine the species of ectoparasites found on one male roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) shot during hunting season 2011 in the area of Bihać municipality. Using the morphological keys, all adult keds were identified as Lipoptena cervi Linnaeus, 1761. Key words: Lipoptena cervi, roe deer, Bihać municipality