Tsetse fly

/tsˈɛtsi flˈaɪ/

[noun]

Tsetse fly

[NOUN]

a blood-sucking insect found in sub-Saharan Africa that transmits the parasite responsible for sleeping sickness

synonyms : glossina

tsetse

tsetse fly

tzetze

What is a "tsetse fly"?

A tsetse fly is a biting insect found in sub-Saharan Africa that feeds on the blood of vertebrate animals, including humans. It is known for transmitting the parasite that causes sleeping sickness, a potentially fatal disease that affects both humans and animals. Tsetse flies are characterized by their large size, long proboscis, and prominent eyes, and they are commonly found in rural areas near rivers, lakes, and forests. The female tsetse fly is responsible for transmitting the disease, while the males primarily feed on plant nectar.

Examples

1. Number 8 Tsetse Fly Even though tsetse flies resemble common houseflies in appearance, they are nothing alike when it comes to the dangers they pose for human beings.

2. Number 7: The Tsetse Fly Found in Africa, the tsetse fly is one of the main causes of trypanosomiasis, or African sleeping sickness.