Tsetse Fly

About the Tsetse Fly

Both males and females suck blood - unlike most blood-feeding insects where only females bite. They transmit trypanosomes that cause sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis), which kills thousands annually. They give birth to live larvae - one of the few insects that does not lay eggs. The larva develops inside the female and is deposited already at full size. They have been a major obstacle to African development, preventing cattle ranching in huge areas. Over 30 species. They are attracted to the colors blue and black, which is used in traps.