Arthropod bites and stings
Encyclopedia
Many species of arthropods (insects, arachnids and others) regularly or occasionally bite or sting human beings. Insect saliva contains anticoagulant
s and enzymes that cause local irritation and allergic reactions. Insect venoms can be delivered by their stingers, which often are modified ovipositor
s, or by their mouthparts. Insect, spider and scorpion venom can cause serious injury or death. Dipterans account for the majority of insect bites, while Hymenopterans account for the majority of stings. Among arachnids spider bites are the most common. Arthropods bite or sting humans for a number of reasons including feeding or defense. Arthropods are major vectors of human disease, with the pathogens typically transmitted by bites.
Anticoagulant
An anticoagulant is a substance that prevents coagulation of blood. A group of pharmaceuticals called anticoagulants can be used in vivo as a medication for thrombotic disorders. Some anticoagulants are used in medical equipment, such as test tubes, blood transfusion bags, and renal dialysis...
s and enzymes that cause local irritation and allergic reactions. Insect venoms can be delivered by their stingers, which often are modified ovipositor
Ovipositor
The ovipositor is an organ used by some animals for oviposition, i.e., the laying of eggs. It consists of a maximum of three pairs of appendages formed to transmit the egg, to prepare a place for it, and to place it properly...
s, or by their mouthparts. Insect, spider and scorpion venom can cause serious injury or death. Dipterans account for the majority of insect bites, while Hymenopterans account for the majority of stings. Among arachnids spider bites are the most common. Arthropods bite or sting humans for a number of reasons including feeding or defense. Arthropods are major vectors of human disease, with the pathogens typically transmitted by bites.
Diptera (True flies)
- Black flies (Simuliidae)
- Horse-flies (Tabanidae)
- Deer flies/Yellow flies (Chrysops)
- Tsetse flies (Glossinidae)
- Stable flies (Muscidae)
- Biting midges or No see-ums (Ceratopogonidae)
- Highland midgeHighland midgeThe Highland midge is a species of small flying insect, found in upland and lowland areas especially in the north west of Scotland from late spring to late summer...
- MosquitoMosquitoMosquitoes are members of a family of nematocerid flies: the Culicidae . The word Mosquito is from the Spanish and Portuguese for little fly...
s (Culicidae) - Botflies (as larvae, Oestridae)
- Sandflies (Phlebotomidae)
- LutzomyiaLutzomyiaLutzomyia is a genus of "sand flies" in the Psychodidae subfamily Phlebotominae and in the order Diptera. In the New World, Lutzomyia sand flies are responsible for the transmission of leishmaniasis, an important parasitic disease and Carrion's disease. Leishmaniasis is generally transmitted in...
- PhlebotomusPhlebotomusPhlebotomus is a genus of "sand fly" in the Dipteran family Psychodidae. In the past, they have sometimes been considered to belong in a separate family, Phlebotomidae, but this alternative classification has not gained wide acceptance.-Epidemiology:...
- Blow-flies (as larvae, Calliphoridae)
- Screw-worm fliesCochliomyiaCochliomyia is a genus in the family Calliphoridae, known as blowflies, in the order Diptera. Cochliomyia are commonly referred to as the New World screwworm fly. There are four species in this genus: Cochliomyia macellaria, Cochliomyia hominivorax, Cochliomyia aldrichi, and Cochliomyia minima...
(as larvae, Calliphoridae)
Hymenoptera
- Ants
- Fire ants (both bite and sting)
- Bees
- Honeybees (sting)
- Stingless bees (bite)
- Bumblebees (sting)
- Hornets (sting)
- Wasps (sting)
Other insects
- Assassin bug/Kissing bug
- Bedbugs
- Conenose bug
- HippoboscidaeHippoboscidaeHippoboscidae, the louse flies or keds are obligate parasites of mammals and birds. In this family there are winged species which can fly at least reasonably well, as well as others with vestigial or no wings which are flightless and highly apomorphic...
(Keds) - Deer flies