There may be thousands of diptera species extant in Cyprus from tiny, almost invisible, ones to large "bottles". It is probable that there are many unknown species, some of them endemic. As the Latin name implies, they are distinguished by having two wings, often transparent.
what
is or
Unidentified fly (possibly of the genus Calliphora or Chrysomya) Photo: Copyright © Brian Ellis, 2010
Blowflies
Blowflies, commonly known as bluebottles, greenbottles etc,, belong to the Calliphoridae family consisting of about 90 genera and about 1150 known species. Many (but not all) have a shiny, coloured, abdomen, hence the popular names. Most species feed on carrion or dung and also lay their eggs in decomposing animal matter. The larvae, known as maggots, generally feed on the matter in which the eggs are laid. The pupae, sometimes known regionally as bots, are usually a much darker colour than the light-coloured maggots. The cycle from egg to adult follows a fixed time schedule, according to the ambient temperature and the species. This is of forensic importance in identifying how long since death of a body, especially if there is more than one species of blowfly, each having a different development schedule.
One of the most important genera is the Calliphora, including the true Bluebottles. This genus is present worldwide, except for parts of Arctica and Antarctica. Common species, which can be expected to be found in Cyprus, include C, livida, C, vicina and C, vomitoria. The genus Chrysomya is also widespread, with fewer species. The Greenbottles, Lucilia, boast some 200-odd species with some doubtless representatives on the island.
Blowflies of all genera, except possibly Pollenia, present a health risk because of their feeding habits on putrefying meat and faecal matter. They can carry parasitic, bacterial and viral disease. Some species are vectors for specific diseases. Food should never be exposed to blowflies or should be discarded if accidentally exposed. Some species may cause myiasis (the presence of maggots in living flesh).
Housefly
The common housefly, Musca domestica, is possibly among the world's most populous members of the Kingdom Animalia. It is found in all the biogeographic realms (ecozones) with the exception of the Antarctic one. Although belonging to the same order, Diptera, as the blowflies, its evolution is divergent with different suborders. Nevertheless, except for size, one could be mistaken into thinking the housefly was a close cousin to some of the blowflies. Its general morphology, life cycle and habits are all sufficiently similar that they could be confused.
Houseflies present a health risk because of their feeding habits on garbage, putrefying meat and faecal matter. They can carry parasitic, bacterial and viral disease. Food should never be exposed to houseflies or should be discarded if accidentally exposed. It may cause myiasis (the presence of maggots in living flesh).
Mosquitoes
If there is an insect which inspires more fear than any other, it must be the mosquito. Not only is it a vector for malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, encephalitis and other diseases, what is more annoying than the whine of a mosquito flying around your ear at night, knowing that it may land on you and partake of a supper of your blood?
Up until about 1950, Cyprus was known as a hotbed for malaria, especially in the Larnaca district and the Karpas. The British authorities started a vast campaign, spraying just about every square millimetre of the island with DDT, inside as well as outside the houses. Three species of female Anopheles mosquitoes were targeted for the disease on the island, A. superpictus, A. sacharovi (elutus) and A. bifuurcalus. This very successfully eradicated the disease but it upset many ecosystems on the island. It was contributory to such visible effects as the removal of hundreds of vultures from the Cyprus sky (to be fair, improved hygiene concerning the removal of animal cadavers was probably equally to blame). Less visible, many insects, other than Anopheles species, were equally eliminated, disrupting many food chains. The biodiversity of the island was changed forever by this action. The three species and many other insects became DDT-resistant. Today, there are a number of Anopheles species, although none of them are vectors for malaria. The only cases of malaria in recent years have been those of persons who had contracted the disease in other countries. Notwithstanding, it is possible for infected female mosquitoes to reach the island by boat or aircraft; this is carefully monitored and preventative measures taken.
According to Violaris et al., there are 23 species of mosquito, in six genera, recognised in Cyprus. Unfortunately, his paper is not in the public domain and it would be costly to name all the species. However, the genera are:
- Aedes
- Anopheles
- Culex
- Culiseta
- Orthopodomyia
- Uranotaenia
All the members of these genera have one thing in common: each of them
has females with a proboscis capable of penetrating human skin and sucking
blood. This means that they are able to transmit disease. In the well-known
case of malaria transmission by Anopheles, the mosquito is a vector, which
means that it is an e
ssential
part of the life cycle of the disease. It is very unlikely that a non-vectorial disease, such as HIV or hepatitis, be
transmitted through mosquitoes. Notwithstanding, there have been some
anecdotal cases of such transmission. In Cyprus, mosquitoes are more of a
nuisance than a health risk. If you are likely to be exposed to an attack by
these insects, of whatever species, it is wise to use a chemical repellent.
Constant research is being made in the field of repellents and their effect
improves as the results of the research are put into manufacturing
processes. There are also many "home recipes", often based on citronella or
geranium oil. These are undoubtedly less effective than the better
commercial formulations.
Anapholes gambiae
having its dinner, showing its proboscis.
Photo: James Gathany under licence Wikimedia Commons
No-see'ums
This rather unscientific sobriquet is well named; it refers to a considerable number of undetermined flies, midges, gnats etc., characterised by small size, the ability to bite, often drawing blood, and causing irritation that may last several hours to several days. Different species can be active over a short season, with or without overlap. In at least one species, the animal is flesh-coloured, whether by evolutionary development or chance is unknown. Most are brown or black. Generally, they have a body length of about 1 mm or less. It is probable that some species belong to the genus Culicoides, amongst others.
Mosquito repellents appear to work equally with no-see'ums and can be recommended to reduce the frequency of attack. Mosquito nets and window screens are of limited use, as the flies are often small enough to pass through the mesh. In case of a bite, local inflammation and an intense itch are common symptoms. It is strongly recommended not to scratch or rub the site of the bite as this will only prolong the effect; in some cases, leaving it alone, despite the temptation to scratch it, may suffice for the symptoms to disappear in 30 minutes. If the effects persist, an antihistamine cream (with cortisone if prescribed by a doctor) may be necessary to reduce the swelling and the itch.
As far as is known, no-see'ums are present throughout the island, but it may be that the species vary according to the habitat.
