Hippopotamus Stalk-eyed Fly [Oculotrema hippopotami]
Description
The Hippopotamus Stalk-eyed Fly, Oculotrema hippopotami, is a unique species of fly that can be found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are particularly associated with the eyes of hippos, where they feed on the tears and other secretions. The females of this species have very long eye stalks, which are thought to aid in positioning themselves safely on the hippo's eye. They are usually associated with still or slow-moving freshwaters where hippos inhabit.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Monogenea
Monogenea
|
| Order |
Polyopisthocotylea
Polyopisthocotylea
|
| Family |
Polystomatidae
Polystomatidae
|
| Genus |
Oculotrema
Oculotrema
|