CEPHENEMYIA ULRICHII Meaning and
Definition
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Cephenemyia ulrichii is a species of bot fly that belongs to the family Oestridae. Also known as the reindeer nose bot fly, it is an ectoparasite that primarily infests reindeer, caribou, and occasionally other cervids.
This bot fly is characterized by its dark, stout body measuring around 9-12 mm in length. Its wings are transparent, and its hairy thorax is covered in long setae. It has large compound eyes and a probing, needle-like mouthpart used for feeding on nectar or other liquids.
Cephenemyia ulrichii is unique in its life cycle, which begins when adult female flies deposit their larvae in the nostrils of host animals. Upon nasal entry, the larvae migrate to the nasal passages, sinuses, or frontal sinuses of the host's head region. Once situated, they develop and feed on the host's nasal mucosa and blood for approximately 8-9 months before being expelled.
This parasitic activity can cause severe irritation, discomfort, and damage to the nasal tissues of reindeer, potentially leading to secondary infections, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Infestation by C. ulrichii is considered a principal cause of nasal myiasis in reindeer populations, especially in arctic and subarctic areas.
Efforts to control and prevent infestation by Cephenemyia ulrichii typically involve the use of insecticides, physical barriers such as nose rings, and other preventive measures aimed at reducing contact between the flies and the host animals.
Etymology of CEPHENEMYIA ULRICHII
The word "Cephenemyia ulrichii" is a scientific binomial name used to classify a species of bot fly that parasitizes reindeer. The etymology of this word is derived from Latin and Greek roots, commonly used in scientific nomenclature.
- "Cephenemyia" originates from the Latin word "cepheno" meaning "gadfly" or "horsefly", and the Greek word "myia" meaning "fly". It refers to the specific type of fly to which this species belongs.
- "ulrichii" is a Latinized surname, typically used to honor or commemorate an individual who contributed to the study or discovery of the species. In this case, it possibly refers to a person named Ulrich.
