Tsetsefly (Glossinidae)

Characteristics 

• Insect: Three part body (head/thorax /abdomen) and 6 legsDorso-ventrally flattened
• Yellowish or brownish-black
• Robust flies
• Slightly larger than houseflies (6 - 14 mm)
• Forward-facing proboscis
• Ax-shaped cell on the wing
• Wings folded like scissors in resting position
• Complete metamorphosis (holometabole development)
• 23 species
• Strongly limited distribution
• Both males and females feed on blood
• Blood meal every 2 - 3 days
• Diurnal (active during the day)

• No specific host

   

•Medical significance: 

• Africa: Tsetse fly (Glossina) ->Vector of African sleeping sickness

In general: mechanical transmission of virus, bacteria, worm eggs, protozoa cysts

Tsetse fly is live bearing, the born last stage become pupea right after birth.