Preliminary review of Hippoboscidae (Diptera) from Armenia, with the country's first record of Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa, 1965

<ns3:p>The family Hippoboscidae (Diptera) comprises obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of birds and mammals, some of which are important vectors of pathogens. Knowledge of their diversity and distribution in the Caucasus remains scarce. In this study, we provide the first preliminary checklist of Hippoboscidae from Armenia, based on both collected material and verified citizen science records. In total, six species were confirmed. The record of Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa, 1965 represents the first confirmation of this invasive species from the Caucasus region. Although the present data significantly expand the knowledge of Hippoboscidae in Armenia, the actual diversity of the group is almost certainly higher. Given the unique ecosystems and high endemism of the Caucasus, further surveys are needed to complete the faunistic picture and to assess the epidemiological role of louse flies in the region.</ns3:p>