MELOPHAGUS OVINUS Meaning and
Definition
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Melophagus ovinus is a species of wingless, blood-sucking fly commonly known as the sheep ked. It is a parasitic insect that exclusively infests sheep and other related species, including goats and wild sheep.
The species belongs to the family Hippoboscidae and is characterized by its robust body, large size, and dorsoventrally flattened shape. Melophagus ovinus can grow up to 6-7 mm in length, featuring a distinct hairy appearance with a reddish-brown coloration. Unlike other typical flies, it lacks wings entirely, rendering it flightless.
Melophagus ovinus, as an obligate ectoparasite, spends its entire life cycle on the host animal. The female ked lays eggs that hatch and develop into larvae, known as maggots, within a specialized pouch-like structure called a puparium. These puparia are attached to the wool and hair of their host, where they undergo metamorphosis, eventually leading to adult ked emergence.
As a hematophagous insect, Melophagus ovinus feeds on the blood of its host using its specialized mouthpart that is adapted for piercing the skin. The ked's presence causes irritation and discomfort to the host, leading to itching, scratching, and secondary skin infections. Additionally, heavy infestations can negatively impact the host's overall health and productivity.
Melophagus ovinus is commonly found in areas with moderate to warm climates worldwide, primarily affecting domestic sheep populations. Control measures against this species, including chemical treatments and improved animal husbandry practices, are necessary to minimize the economic losses associated with ked infestations.
Common Misspellings for MELOPHAGUS OVINUS
- nelophagus ovinus
- kelophagus ovinus
- jelophagus ovinus
- mwlophagus ovinus
- mslophagus ovinus
- mdlophagus ovinus
- mrlophagus ovinus
- m4lophagus ovinus
- m3lophagus ovinus
- mekophagus ovinus
- mepophagus ovinus
- meoophagus ovinus
- meliphagus ovinus
- melkphagus ovinus
- mellphagus ovinus
- melpphagus ovinus
- mel0phagus ovinus
- mel9phagus ovinus
- meloohagus ovinus
Etymology of MELOPHAGUS OVINUS
The word "Melophagus ovinus" is a scientific name used to denote a specific species of parasitic fly known as the sheep ked. It belongs to the family Hippoboscidae.
The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Melophagus: This word is derived from two Greek words. The first part, "melos" (μέλος), means "belonging to sheep" or "sheep". The second part, "phagos" (φᾰγος), means "eating" or "feeding". Hence, "Melophagus" can be translated as "sheep-eating" or "feeding on sheep".
2. Ovinus: This term is derived from the Latin word "ovis", which translates to "sheep". "Ovinus" means "relating to sheep" or "of sheep".
