How Do You Spell CORDYLOBIA ANTHROPOPHAGA?

1. Cordylobia anthropophaga, commonly known as the Tumbu fly or the African human botfly, is a species of fly belonging to the family Calliphoridae. It is indigenous to tropical regions of Africa, particularly found in regions such as West and Central Africa.

   The Tumbu fly is characterized by its small size, measuring about 1 centimeter in length. The female flies lay eggs on damp clothing, often items left outdoors or hung to dry. The eggs hatch into larvae within a short period, typically less than a day. These larvae are parasitic and burrow into the host's skin, causing painful lesions and leading to a condition known as myiasis.

   The lifecycle of Cordylobia anthropophaga involves three stages: egg, larva, and pupa. Once the larvae have penetrated the skin, they form firm, raised boils that can be itchy and painful. The larvae then feed on the host's skin tissue and grow rapidly. After about 6-8 days, they drop to the ground and pupate in the soil, developing into adult flies.

   The Tumbu fly is predominantly a pest of animals, especially mammals, but it can also infest humans. It is commonly found in rural areas where people live in close proximity to livestock or have poor sanitation practices. Prevention and control measures involve proper hygiene, such as regular washing of clothes and avoiding contact with infested areas. Treating myiasis caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga typically involves removing the larvae manually, under medical supervision, and cleaning the affected area to promote healing.

2. A fly of tropical Africa, the larva of which burrows into the skin producing a small inflammatory swelling.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CORDYLOBIA ANTHROPOPHAGA

The etymology of the word "Cordylobia anthropophaga" is as follows:

1. Cordylobia: The genus name "Cordylobia" is derived from the combination of the Greek words "kordyle" meaning "lump" or "swelling" and "lobos" meaning "lobe" or "lop". This refers to the segmented appearance of the larvae of this genus, which have a distinct lobe-like structure.

2. anthropophaga: The specific epithet "anthropophaga" is derived from the Greek words "anthropos" meaning "human" and "phagein" meaning "to eat" or "to devour". Therefore, "anthropophaga" means "eater of human flesh".