GLOSSINA MORSITANS Meaning and
Definition
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Glossina morsitans, commonly known as the tsetse fly, is a species of biting fly that belongs to the Glossina genus within the family Glossinidae. The tsetse fly is a blood-sucking insect native to Sub-Saharan Africa and is notorious for transmitting parasitic diseases, particularly trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in livestock.
With a size ranging from 8 to 17 millimeters, the Glossina morsitans has a robust, dark brown body covered in fine hairs. Unlike other biting flies, the tsetse fly possesses a proboscis that it uses to pierce the skin of both humans and animals in order to feed on their blood. Its bite is painful and can leave painful sores, with itching and swelling as common reactions.
Glossina morsitans is highly adapted to its environment and is typically found in regions with dense vegetation and suitable climate conditions. It requires a blood meal in order to reproduce and complete its life cycle. Therefore, its presence is closely associated with the distribution of certain African mammals, including wild ungulates like wildebeests and buffalo.
Efforts to control and eradicate Glossina morsitans have been challenging due to its ability to fly long distances, its resistance to insecticides, and the lack of effective and sustainable control methods. However, ongoing research focuses on various eco-friendly approaches such as the sterile insect technique and vector control strategies that aim to reduce the population of the tsetse fly to minimize its adverse impact on humans and livestock.
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The agent in the transmission of Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite of nagana, a fatal cattle disease of South Africa, and of T. rhodesiense, one of the pathogenic agents of sleeping sickness.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLOSSINA MORSITANS
- flossina morsitans
- vlossina morsitans
- blossina morsitans
- hlossina morsitans
- ylossina morsitans
- tlossina morsitans
- gkossina morsitans
- gpossina morsitans
- goossina morsitans
- glissina morsitans
- glkssina morsitans
- gllssina morsitans
- glpssina morsitans
- gl0ssina morsitans
- gl9ssina morsitans
- gloasina morsitans
- glozsina morsitans
- gloxsina morsitans
- glodsina morsitans
- gloesina morsitans
Etymology of GLOSSINA MORSITANS
The word "Glossina morsitans" is a scientific name used to refer to the tsetse fly, a blood-sucking insect found in Africa. The etymology of this name can be broken down as follows:
1. Glossina: The term "Glossina" is derived from the Greek word "glossa", which means "tongue". In this context, it refers to the proboscis or mouthpart of the tsetse fly used for feeding.
2. morsitans: This word is Latin in origin and is related to the verb "mordere", meaning "to bite". The suffix "-tans" in Latin denotes "biting", hence "morsitans" signifies a biting creature.
Similar spelling word for GLOSSINA MORSITANS
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