Tsetse Fly Characteristics

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The tsetse fly is predominant found in large areas of sub-Saharan Africa where there is human settlement and agriculture. The tsetse flies are cousins of the house fly, however they are larger than a common house fly. Approximate length of a house fly is 6 to 7 mm while a tsetse fly ranges anywhere from 6 to 16 mm in length. There are approximately 22 different kinds or species of tsetse fly living on the continent of Africa presently. The scientific name for the tsetse fly is Glossina. Each of the different species of a tsetse fly has its own identifying name following the name Glossina. The generic or genus name is Glossina, A genus is a group of closely related species. The name that follows is the name of the species, or the specific name. For example, the Glossina Palpalis.
All of the species of the tsetse fly is generally the same in appearance with their color ranging from a yellowish brown to dark brown. When the tsetse fly is in a resting position the wings are usually flat over the back. One differentiating characteristic of the tsetse fly that distinguish them from other flies are a row of long, branched hairs that is present on each of their antennas.
The average lifespan of a tsetse fly adult ranges from one to three months. The process of reproduction begins with the larva hatching from an egg within the female and the development of the young tsetse occurring within the uterus. The larva growth process usually take about nine days. While in the uterus, the larva get nutrients from fluid secreted from the female tsetse’s uterine wall. Proper nutrition is necessary because if under nourished the female fly will produce a small, underdeveloped and nonviable larva. On the other hand, adequate nutrition will ...

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...ecrease the effects of the sleeping sickness and the rate of infection. Organizations such as the World Health Organization have taken the forefront in creating certain partnerships with drug companies to ensure there is available treatment for individuals requiring them; also partnerships was created to allow for a better accountability of the infected subjects, an ensuring they receive the necessary care.
As a young boy growing up, one of my first memories of a science lesson involves learning about the tsetse fly of the Sub Saharan Africa. It fascinated me to know that the fly was capable of putting people to sleep for life with one bite; hence the reason for me choosing the topic for my presentation. By researching this topic, I learned some very interesting information about the species, it definitely gave a larger view of what I thought I knew in my youth.

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