Tsetse flies

Definition

Blood-feeding flies of the family Glossinidae (genus Glossina), endemic to tropical Africa, and the sole biological vectors of African trypanosomes causing human sleeping sickness and nagana in livestock. Adults are robust, 6–15 mm, with a distinctive forward-projecting proboscis and a slow, buzzing flight; larvae develop singly in utero, nourished by milk glands, and are deposited as mature third instars that immediately pupate.

Etymology

From Tswana tsêtsê, 'fly'

Example

Glossina palpalis, a riverine tsetse fly, is the principal vector of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in West African sleeping sickness foci.

Synonyms

• Glossinidae

Related Terms

• vector biology
• Trypanosomiasis
• obligate parasite
• viviparity
• medical entomology
• African trypanosomes

Usage Notes

The family Glossinidae is monotypic, containing only Glossina. Tsetse flies are distinguished from other biting flies by their unique reproductive strategy (adenotrophic viviparity) and their restricted African distribution. Control programs historically relied on insecticide-treated targets and sterile male release; modern approaches include molecular genetic techniques.