TZETZE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "tzetze" primarily refers to any of several bloodsucking flies of the genus Glossina. These insects belong to the family Glossinidae, and they are notorious for transmitting the parasitic trypanosomes that cause sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in horses, cattle, and other livestock. The word "tzetze" can specifically stand for two species of these flies: the river tsetse (G. pallidipes) and the forest tsetse (G. palpalis). They are typically found in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in regions with dense vegetation or located near water bodies.
The tzetze flies are characterized by their black or brownish-black coloring, large bulging eyes, and long proboscis used for feeding on the blood of vertebrate animals. With a wingspan of approximately 1.5 to 3 centimeters, the tzetze flies are relatively small in size. They exhibit unique behaviors, such as hovering or flying low over the ground, and are highly attracted to movement and colors, particularly blue and black. These flies reproduce viviparously, with females giving birth to fully developed larvae.
Due to their ability to transmit dangerous diseases that pose a threat to both humans and livestock, tzetze flies are of significant importance in the fields of human and veterinary medicine. Numerous efforts have been made to control and eradicate populations of tzetze flies through various methods, including insecticide treatments, trapping systems, and the release of sterile males to disrupt breeding cycles. Overall, tzetze flies are a significant concern in affected areas due to the grave impact they can have on public health and agriculture.
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In certain central parts of Africa, the name of a fly whose bite is fatal to animals.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TZETZE
- rzetze
- fzetze
- gzetze
- yzetze
- 6zetze
- 5zetze
- txetze
- taetze
- tzwtze
- tzstze
- tzdtze
- tzrtze
- tz4tze
- tz3tze
- tzerze
- tzefze
- tzegze
- tzeyze
- tze6ze
Etymology of TZETZE
The word "tzetze" is derived from the Tswana language, which is spoken in Botswana and other Southern African countries. In Tswana, the word for a particular fly species – Glossina – is "tsètsè". This term was adopted into English as "tzetze", referring specifically to the tsetse fly. The word was introduced to English in the late 19th century when European explorers and colonizers encountered the insect in Africa.
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