Substrate colonization and relative abundance of immature forms of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in river Mada, Nasarawa State Nigeria

• 作者: Chukwuemaka Ikechukwu Njoku Gideon Aduk Amuga Jael Asabe Yohanna Ndubisi Raphael Uzoigwe
• 来源期刊: 昆虫学(英文)
• 学科: 医学
• 关键词: Black FLIES COLONIZATION IMMATURE FORMS Mada RIVER Relative Abundance Substrates
• 年，卷（期）: 2013,（2）
• 页码范围: 24-28
• 页数: 5页
• 分类号: R73

摘要

Black flies, vectors of Onchocercavolvulus, are known to colonize fast flowing sections of rivers.A study on aspects of ecology of immature forms of black flies was conducted at River Mada. Larvae and Pupae of the Genus: Simulium were prospected on natural substrates found at various water currents along the course of the river over a 12-month period. Larvae of six speciesand pupae of three species were identified colonizing different substrates in the river. A total of 443 larvae and 142 pupae were collected, and thepeak month of collection was April. 405 (91.4%) larvae were identified as S.damnosum sl while 38 (8.6%) comprised S. adersi, S.hargreavesi, S.cervicornotum, S. bovisand S.vorax. 110 (77.5%) of the pupae collected were S.damnosumsl while 32 (22.5%) were S.adersi, and S.hargreavesi. The larvae unlike pupae appeared to be non discriminatory in substrate colonization and current preference. Paucity of the population of immature forms is observed and attributed primarily to scarcity of suitable substrates and other factors also discussed herein.