Gadfly is a name commonly applied to various insects, a large number of which belong to the great Linnaean genus OEstrus, while others belong to the genusTabanus. OEstrus bovis or ox gadfly (the Hypoderma bovis of some naturalists) is about 7 lines in length with a yellow thorax, with a black band; white abdomen; fulvous terminal segments and dusky wings. This species attacks the horse also, the female depositing her eggs in the skin of these animals in considerable numbers. In a short time the eggs are matured, and produce a larva or worm, which immediately pierces the skin, raising large lumps or tumours filled with pus, upon which the larva feeds.
Oestrus equi (the Gastrophilus or Gastrus equi of some naturalists) deposits its eggs upon such parts of the skin of horses as are subject to be much licked by the animal, and thus they are conveyed to the stomach, where the heat speedily hatches the larvae, well known under the name of botts.
Oestrus ovis (also called Cephalomyia ovis) deposits its eggs in the nostrils of sheep, where the larva is hatched, and immediately ascends into the frontal sinuses, attaching itself very firmly to the lining membrane by means of two strong hooks situated at its mouth. Other species infest the buffalo, camel, stag, etc. Even rhinoceroses and elephants are said not to be altogether exempt from their attacks.
The characteristics of the genusTabanus are two enormous eyes, usually of a greenish-yellow colour rayed or spotted with purple, antennas scarcely longer than the head, the last joint with five divisions. These insects suck the blood of horned cattle, horses, and sometimes people. The Tabanus bovinus, or larger gadfly is common in Europe. It is about 25 mm long, brown above and grey below. Its larva live on the ground, and its metamorphosis takes place under the earth but close to the surface. Research Gadfly
In Tehaelche mythology, Ellal was a benefactor of mankind. Before he was born his father planned to eat him, but Rat hid him and saved him. When he grew up he visited the earth which was ruled by demons, and killed their leader by letting him swallow him whole and then changing into a gadfly and killing the demon with a poisoned sting. Released into the world, he taught man how to make bows and arrows from trees and reeds before riding a swan back into the morning sky. Research Ellal
The SA-N-7 (Gadfly) or Shtil is a Russian surface-to-air missile with a range of up to 25 kilometres against targets with speeds up to 830 metres per second. Research SA-N-7
The Gadfly E.S.102 was a British two-seater general purpose light autogyro developed during the early 1960's. The Gadfly E.S.102 was powered by a Rolls-Royce/Continental IO-346-A four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine providing a top speed of 201 kmh and a range of 740 km. Research Gadfly E.S.102
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Gadfly
