The Tsetse Fly
Meet the tsetse fly, a small but mighty insect found predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Known for their peculiar proboscis - a long, slender feeding tool, they use to enjoy their favorite meal: a serving of warm blood from big mammals! They have a wingspan of about 1 to 3 cm with a distinct v-shape. But don't let their tiny size fool you, these guys are infamous for spreading African sleeping sickness, a disease caused by parasites.
| Tsetse Fly | |
|---|---|
| Size | About the size of a housefly (6-14 mm), (0.24-0.55 in) |
| Weight | 0.1-0.2 g (0.0035-0.007 oz) |
| Speed | Speed: 5 mph (8 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | None |
| Biggest Weakness | Fragile wings |
| Scientific Name | Glossina |
| Family | Glossinidae |
| Habitat | Woodlands, savannas, and riverine areas |
| Geography | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Diet | Blood of vertebrate animals |
| Lifespan | 3 weeks - 4 months |
The Tsetse Fly
Meet the tsetse fly, a small but mighty insect found predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Known for their peculiar proboscis - a long, slender feeding tool, they use to enjoy their favorite meal: a serving of warm blood from big mammals! They have a wingspan of about 1 to 3 cm with a distinct v-shape. But don't let their tiny size fool you, these guys are infamous for spreading African sleeping sickness, a disease caused by parasites.
Fun Fact: Talk about a long nap! The sickness these flies spread, called African sleeping sickness, can make you extremely tired and can lead to long hours of sleep.
| Tsetse Fly | |
|---|---|
| Size | About the size of a housefly (6-14 mm), (0.24-0.55 in) |
| Weight | 0.1-0.2 g (0.0035-0.007 oz) |
| Speed | Speed: 5 mph (8 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | None |
| Biggest Weakness | Fragile wings |
| Scientific Name | Glossina |
| Family | Glossinidae |
| Habitat | Woodlands, savannas, and riverine areas |
| Geography | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Diet | Blood of vertebrate animals |
| Lifespan | 3 weeks - 4 months |
Tsetse Fly Matchups
We use AI to simulate matchups between the Tsetse Fly and other animals. Our simulation considers size, strength, and natural predatory behaviors to determine the most likely outcome.
Fun Fact: The tsetse fly isn't feeling this baby weight! Unlike many insects that lay eggs, the tsetse fly gives birth to live young, one at a time, almost like mammals.
Fun Fact: Did you know the Tsetse fly has a personal fan club? Not the type you might think of though. Their wings are always placed one on top of the other forming a 'V' shape when they’re at rest. Quite the trendsetter in the fly world!