Ecology of phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The phlebotomine sandfly fauna of a primary forest reserve at Morretes (eastern Paraná State) was studied, using CDC-like light traps, one night per month, at canopy and ground level, between April 1995 and March 1996. A total of 3,106 insects were collected, identified as belonging to nine species. Lutzomyia ayrozai and Lu.geniculata were predominant, seven other species also being present. Monthly mean temperature, rainfall and the temperature of the collection night significantly influenced the numbers of Lu. ayrozai while the two first factors influenced the numbers of Lu. geniculata, besides the collected quantities of females of the two species. The influence of the factors on Lu. ayrozai numbers was more immediate than in those of Lu. geniculata. Numbers of both species and of the females of Lu. geniculata collected in different seasons, but not at the different heights, varied significantly. Differences between the behaviour of Lu. ayrozai in Morretes and in other regions could be attributed to environmental differences and/or to regional variations in the species, which could constitute species complexes. Hourly variations of collections were different in the species and seasons.

A fauna de flebotomíneos de uma reserva de floresta primária em Morretes (leste do Estado do Paraná) foi estudada, utilizando armadilhas luminosas tipo CDC, uma noite por mês, no nível do solo e da copa, entre abril de 1995 e março de 1996. Um total de 3.106 insetos foi coletado. Lu. ayrozai e Lu. geniculata foram predominantes, além de outras sete espécies. A temperatura média mensal, a pluviosidade e a temperatura na noite de coleta influenciaram significativamente as quantidades de Lu. ayrozai e os dois primeiros fatores influenciaram Lu. geniculata, além das quantidades de fêmeas coletadas de ambas as espécies. A influência do aumento dos fatores nas quantidades de Lu. ayrozai foi mais imediata que nas de Lu. geniculata. As quantidades coletadas de ambas as espécies e das fêmeas de Lu. geniculata nas estações, mas não nas alturas, foram significativamente diferentes. As diferenças entre os comportamentos de Lu. ayrozai em Morretes e em outras regiões poderiam ser atribuídas a diferenças ambientais e/ou a variações regionais na espécie, que poderia constituir um complexo de espécies. As variações horárias nas coletas foram diferentes nas espécies e estações.

Distribuição geográfica de flebotomíneos do complexo Lutzomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera, Psychodidae) / Geographic distribution of phlebotomine sandflies of the Lutzomyia intermedia (Lutz & Leiva, 1912) complex (Diptera, Psychodidae)

A distribuição geográfica de flebotomíneos pertencentes a Lutzomyia intermedia s.l. é mostrada, baseada em coletas destes insetos para o presente estudo e em informações da bibliografia e de informações pessoais. O assunto é discutido, em relação ao clima e à altitude e latitude. Lutzomyia intermedia s.s. foi encontrada em latitudes e altitudes menores que Lutzomyia neivai, indicando melhor adaptação desta a climas mais frios e secos.

The geographical distribution of Phlebotomine sandflies of the Lutzomyia intermedia complex is presented, based in collections for this study and in personal informations from other workers and bibliography. The subject is discussed, in relation to climate and to altitude and latitude. Lutzomyia intermedia s.s. was found in smaller altitudes and latitudes than Lutzomyia neivai; the last species seems to be better adapted to colder and drier climates than the first.

Influence of peri-domiciliar environmental conditions in the dispersion and proliferation of phlebotomine sandflies in Parana state, southern Brazil

The results of phlebotomine collections with Falcäo light traps are described. The collections were made in an area of the Mururê farm, in the Terra Boa County, Paraná State, south of Brazil. One trap was installed at the border of a modified primitive forest and seven in animal shelters (poultry sheds and pigsties) distant 10 to 600m from this forest. Of a total of 5,122 phlebotomine 4,046 (79 per cent) were caught in an pigsty 10m from the border of the forest. The dominant species was Lutzomya whitmani. Dispersion of phlebotomine was near to 600m from the border of the forest and suggests that good environmental conditions for effective breeding in peridomiciliary areas in Mururê farm were not found, what explains the rare occurrence of tegumentary leishmaniasis there