**14.8 Biting midges**

and when the larval stage pupates, adults develop in about a week. Although small in size, the adults are good flyers and may go several kilometers in search

by the parasitic nematode *Onchocerca volvulus*. Warning signs comprise intense itching, bumps below the skin and loss of sight. The parasite worm is transported by the bites of a *Simulium* type black fly. Only adult females are blood feeders, wherein the best significant species are *Simulium neavei* Roubaud and members of *Simulium damnosum* Theobald complex. Additionally, black flies are of severe annoyance in numerous regions of the world for the reason that of their painful bites and from time to time huge numbers involved in invasions. Black fly bites can create localized inflammation and swelling, and extreme irritation of skin lasting for days or weeks. Usually, black flies do not come into houses, but bite in the daytime and outdoors, especially along riverbanks. Certain species show a strong preference for biting specific parts of the body, for example, *S. damnosum* in West Africa mainly attacks the legs. Most species feed predominantly on birds or mammals, while several feed

Onchocerciasis, too known as river blindness, is a sickness initiated by infection

Sand flies (Psychodidae) are about 1.5–4 mm long, have a hairy exterior, visible black eyes and lengthy stilt-like legs. They have a typical jumping flight with several short flights and landings. Contrary to all other biting Diptera, when at rest, their wings are held upright above the body. Sand flies are minute blood sucking flies that are key as vectors of leishmaniasis and can cause a severe biting nuisance, but limited to a small area. Species that take place in the Mediterranean area can spread sand fly fever that is a viral disease likewise recognized as pappataci fever or 3-day fever. The breeding places for this genus appear to be mainly non-aquatic situations. The life cycle may last from 1 to 4 months, depending on species and temperature, although it usually lasts less than 45 days. Sand flies feed on plant juices, but mostly the females need a blood meal in order to develop eggs. The cattle provide an abundant source of blood, while the stables and houses provide suitable resting places. Blood is taken from humans and animals such as dogs, farm live-

The sand fly *Phlebotomus papatasi* (Scopoli) (**Figure 20**), is the main vector of the Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is distributed from Morocco to the Indian

subcontinent and from southern Europe to central and eastern Africa [88].

of food [85].

**Figure 19.** Simulium *black fly.*

*Life Cycle and Development of Diptera*

on humans [86].

**34**

**14.7 Phlebotomine sandflies**

stock, wild rodents, snakes, lizards and birds [87].

Biting midges (no-seeums, punkies) are blood sucking flies and about 1.5 mm in length. The most important genus *Culicoides*, is distributed worldwide and can cause a serious biting problem, as can the genus *Leptoconops.* These insects are vectors of the human filariae parasites *Mansonella ozzardi* and *Mansonella perstans* (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) that are mostly deliberated to be not hurtful to humans. These insects are termed as sand flies in certain regions of the world, however these may be differentiated from phlebotomine sand flies using the point that while midges are at relaxation wings are bent uniform on body; moreover, these frequently fly in crowds nearby head or other uncovered parts of body and do not flutter in a hopping mode by several landings and short flights, as is done by phlebotomine sand flies.

The lifecycle of this genus involves aquatic breeding places, elevated surface of mud or wet soil primarily temporary pools, decaying leaf litter and objects near or partially in water. The larvae feed on decaying organic matter and the time taken for development from egg to adult may be 2–4 weeks. It is an important vector for blue-tongue virus in many animal species as well as being a pest. Individual midges can cause a painful bite, but they are considered to be an especially severe pest because of their habit of attacking in swarms of hundreds or thousands. Ceratopogonidae is an example of family that includes serious blood-sucking *Culicoides sonorensis* Wirth & Jones (**Figure 21**) feeding both on humans and

**Figure 20.** Phlebotomus papatasi*.*

**Figure 21.** Culicoides sonorensis*.*

Many of the flies that cause furuncular myiasis are commonly known as bot flies including *Dermatobia hominis*, *Cordylobia anthropophaga* (Blanchard & Berenger-Feraud), *Wohlfahrtia vigil* (Walker) and *Cuterebra* species. Many of the flies do not lay eggs on humans. Instead, the flies lay their eggs on other insects (such as mosquitoes) or on objects (such as drying laundry) that may come into contact with people's skin. Characteristic signs of furuncular myiasis comprise irritation, an impression of movement and on occasion a sharp piercing aching. In the beginning, people have a minor red bump, which can look like a common insect bite or creation of a furuncle (pimple). Later on, bump expands, and a slight opening may be evident in the center, opening may drain a clear yellowish fluid and on occasion a small portion of larva end is evident. Open wounds (traumatic), typically in homeless people, alcoholics and others in poor social circumstances, may become infested with fly larvae. The tissues that line the mouth, nose or eyes (mucosa) may also become infested [92]. The most common flies are screwworm flies such as *Cochliomyia hominivorax* and *Chrysomya bezziana* and *Wohlfahrtia magnifica*

The most common sources of migratory (creeping) myiasis are flies that typically infest horses and cattle (Gasterophilus and Hypoderma flies). People can become infested if they have contact with infected animals. Less often, the flies lay eggs directly on people. Larvae do not stay in one spot and they burrow under the skin, causing itchy lesions. Diagnosis of fly larvae can be made on the size of larvae, location and host from which it is recovered, and characteristics of the spiracle

Warble flies of cattle are perhaps one of the most significant myiasis-producing problems of the cattle industry. There are two important species of the cattle grub, *Hypoderma lineatum* De Villiers Southern cattle grub and *Hypoderma bovis* (Linnaeus) Northern cattle grub. In broad-spectrum, life sequence of species contains adult flies that deposit eggs on body of host by sticking to furs, within some days eggs hatch and larvae enter into skin. Afterward, larvae transfer through host tissue and gather at esophagus wall. These from here, move to dermal tissue of host back, persist on cattle back for quite a few months and after that time these drop out to land for pupation. There are a number of indirect and direct reasons of hurt and fiscal loss which may be ascribed to invasions by these larvae. Mortalities may take place for the period of larval movement and at what time these are assembled in an area of esophagus. Indirect injuries are described as condensed milk making, weight loss otherwise low weight increases and less price of hide or carcass owing to presence of larvae. Common warble of rodents and rabbits *Cuterebra* sp., although common in wild rodents, infestations with this larvae are also occasionally seen on

(Schiner) (**Figure 23**).

**Figure 23.**

**37**

Wohlfahrtia magnifica*.*

openings located on the posterior of the larvae [93].

*Typical Flies: Natural History, Lifestyle and Diversity of Diptera*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91391*

**Figure 22.** Melophagus ovinus*.*

other mammals, and spread the livestock diseases blue tongue and African horse sickness [89].
