Arthropod bites and stings
| Arthropod bites and stings |
|---|
Many species of arthropods (insects, arachnids and others) regularly or occasionally bite or sting human beings. Insect saliva contains anticoagulants and enzymes that cause local irritation and allergic reactions.[1] Insect venoms can be delivered by their stingers, which often are modified ovipositors, 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.
Insects
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)
- Mosquitos (Culicidae)
- Botflies (as larvae, Oestridae)
- Sandflies (Phlebotomidae)
- Blow-flies (as larvae, Calliphoridae)
- Screw-worm flies (as larvae, Calliphoridae)
Hymenoptera
- Ants
- Bees
- Honeybees (sting)
- Stingless bees (bite)
- Bumblebees (sting)
- Wasps (sting)
- Hornets (sting)
- Yellow Jackets (sting)
Siphonaptera (Fleas)
- Fleas (bite)
- Human flea Pulex irritans
- Chigoe flea Tunga penetrans
Phthiraptera (Lice)
Other insects
- Assassin bug/Kissing bug
- Bedbugs
- Conenose bug
- Hippoboscidae (Keds)
Arachnids
Spiders
Mites
Scorpions
- All species sting
Myriapoda
References
- ^ Atkins, Michael D. (1978). Insects in Perspective. Prentice Hall. p. 359. ISBN 978-0-02-304500-4.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)