The daily activity pattern and feeding habits of glossina longipenis cort (diptera; glossinidie) at Galana Ranch; South-Eastern Kenya

ABSTRACT

Sampling of Glossina lognipennis Corti for 24 hours using baited F-3 traps; mobile and stationary electric screens; stationary ox and ox-fly round showed two main activity peaks at dawn and dusk. The evening peak was more pronounced than the morning one. Very little activity was recorded during the rest of the day. An incompete ring of electric screens arranged round a cattle enclosure showed that G. longipennis is attracted to; and feeds on cattle; especially during peak activity times with a feeeding success of about 7. The number of flies caught on the outside and inside of the elctric screens was significantly different at the 5 level. Analysis of blood meal samples from fed flies indicated a wide diversity of host for G. longipennis with a preference to suids. Over 65 of the total identified blood meal samples were from suids of which 60 alone were from bushpig; while bovines other than buffalo; collected in an area where cattle are kept; provided only 7 of the feeds