SIMULIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Simulium is a genus of small black flies belonging to the family Simuliidae, commonly known as blackflies or buffalo gnats. They are widely distributed throughout the world, particularly in areas with running water, such as rivers and streams. Simulium flies are known for their biting behavior, feeding on the blood of various animals, including humans.
These flies are typically small in size, measuring only a few millimeters in length. They have stout bodies, dark colors, and broad wings. They are also known for their characteristic humpbacked appearance. The males have feathery antennae, while the females possess a sharp, piercing proboscis used for blood feeding.
Simulium flies are a well-known nuisance and pest due to their biting habits. The bites can cause local irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. Additionally, certain species of Simulium flies are vectors for various diseases, such as river blindness (Onchocerciasis) and the transmission of filarial parasites.
Efforts to control the population of Simulium flies are often carried out using insecticides or larvicides in breeding sites. Protecting oneself from bites, for example, by wearing long clothing or using insect repellents, is also recommended when in areas where these flies are prevalent.
In summary, Simulium flies are a genus of small black flies known for their biting behavior and association with various diseases. They are widely distributed worldwide and are commonly found near bodies of running water.
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A genus of biting gnats or midges including the black-flies and buffalo-gnats of North America.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SIMULIUM
- aimulium
- zimulium
- ximulium
- dimulium
- eimulium
- wimulium
- sumulium
- sjmulium
- skmulium
- somulium
- s9mulium
- s8mulium
- sinulium
- sikulium
- sijulium
- simylium
- simuoium
- simuium
- simuhium
- simunium
Etymology of SIMULIUM
The word "simulium" is derived from Latin. The noun "simulium" refers to a type of black fly, specifically the species belonging to the genus Simulium. This term dates back to the 19th century and is derived from the Latin word "simulare", which means "to imitate" or "to mock". The name "simulium" might have been given to this particular type of fly due to its mimetic or imitative behavior, as it often becomes a nuisance by biting and irritating humans and other animals.
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