The word "buffalo fly" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈbʌfələʊ flaɪ/. In this spelling, the first syllable of "buffalo" is pronounced with a short "u" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound. The second part of the word, "fly," is pronounced with a long "i" sound. Buffalo flies are pests that are commonly found on domestic livestock such as cattle, buffalo, and horses, and can create significant problems for these animals.
Buffalo fly, also known as the Australian cattle tick or scientifically as Haematobia irritans exigua, refers to a blood-sucking ectoparasite predominantly found in Australia. It is a species of fly that specifically infests livestock, particularly cattle, causing significant discomfort and health issues.
The buffalo fly is a small, dark-brown insect measuring about 3-5mm in length. It has an elongated body, with a narrow head, and a pair of large, dark compound eyes. These flies possess piercing mouthparts that enable them to bite and extract blood from the host animal. They are known for their ability to swarm around cattle, often covering their bodies in large numbers, and inflicting painful bites that result in intense irritation and distress for the affected animals.
Infestations of buffalo fly can have serious effects on cattle, such as causing reduced weight gain, anemia, and decreased milk production. These flies are also potential vectors for various cattle diseases. Control measures to manage buffalo fly populations include the use of insecticide treatments, as well as implementation of management techniques such as strategic grazing and breeding practices to reduce the risk of infestation.
In conclusion, the buffalo fly is a small, blood-sucking fly species found in Australia, primarily infesting cattle and causing significant discomfort and health issues.
The word "buffalo fly" is derived from the combination of two separate terms: "buffalo" and "fly".
1. Buffalo: The term "buffalo" refers to the large, herbivorous mammals belonging to the Bovidae family. They are typically found in Africa and Asia, such as the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) or the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). The word "buffalo" has its origins from the French word "buffle", which came from the Italian "bufalo", ultimately derived from the Late Latin "bufalus". The Late Latin term is believed to have been borrowed from the Greek word "boubalos", which originally referred to the African buffalo.
2. Fly: The term "fly" is commonly used to refer to various types of insects belonging to the order Diptera.