The word "Glossina palpalis" is a species of tsetse fly found in Africa. The pronunciation of this word is [ɡlɒˈsina pælˈpeɪlɪs], with the stress on the second syllable of each component term. "Glossina" is spelled with two s's, as is common in Latin-derived words, and the stress falls on the second syllable, "si". "Palpalis" means "having palps" and is derived from the Latin word for "palpate." The stress in this word falls on the first syllable, "pal".
Glossina palpalis, commonly known as the palpalis tsetse fly, is a species of biting flies and an important vector of human and animal diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. This Glossina species belongs to the family Glossinidae and is part of the genus Glossina, which comprises around 30 different tsetse fly species.
The palpalis tsetse fly is approximately 8-17mm long and has a stout body with a vivid brown color. It is characterized by its three-segmented proboscis, composed of a sharp needle-like structure used for piercing the skin and sucking blood. This insect is commonly found in areas of dense vegetation, particularly near rivers, lakes, and forests.
Glossina palpalis is well-known for transmitting the parasitic pathogens responsible for African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. This disease affects both humans and animals, causing severe health issues, including fever, fatigue, and neurological disorders. The fly becomes infected with trypanosomes in the blood of infected individuals or animals and spreads the disease while feeding on the blood of a healthy host.
Efforts to control Glossina palpalis populations are crucial for the prevention and control of trypanosomiasis. Various methods are employed, including the use of traps, insecticide-treated targets, or the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), aiming to reduce the number of tsetse flies and interrupt the transmission cycle.
In summary, Glossina palpalis is a species of tsetse fly found in sub-Saharan Africa, responsible for transmitting the pathogen causing African trypanosomiasis. Its control is essential to prevent the spread of this debilitating disease.
A species of G. which transmits Trypanosoma gambiense, one of the pathogenic parasites of sleeping sickness.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word Glossina palpalis has a combined etymology. Let's break it down:
1. Glossina: The term Glossina is derived from the Greek word glossa, meaning tongue. It refers to the typical long, extensible proboscis, or mouthpart, of the tsetse fly, which is found in sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Palpalis: The word palpalis comes from the Latin word palpa, which means to touch gently or to stroke. It refers to the presence of sensory organs called palps on the tsetse fly's head. These palps are used for touch and taste sensations.
So, Glossina palpalis literally translates to tsetse fly with sensory palps.