A new species and four newly recorded species of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Bhutan

@#Simulium (Simulium) thimphuense sp. nov. is described from a pupa and a mature larva in Bhutan. This new species is placed in the S. multistriatum species-group, and is characterized by the pupal gill with eight thread-like filaments divergent basally at an acute angle when viewed laterally and the cocoon slipper-shaped with several small openings anterolaterally. Four species of Simulium (Simulium) are newly recorded from Bhutan: S. barraudi Puri in the S. multistriatum species-group, S. nodosum Puri in the S. nobile species-group, S. chiangmaiense Takaoka & Suzuki in the S. striatum species-group and S. himalayense Puri in the S. variegatum species-group. Our study increases the number of black fly species known from Bhutan from 18 to 23.

Colonization of benthic invertebrates on artificial and natural substrate in a Neotropical lotic environment in Southern Brazil

The objective of this research was to validate the colonization process on natural and artificial substrates by benthic invertebrates in a tropical stream in South Brazil. The samples were performed in July and August-2012, and 32 samplers were used, being 16 natural and 16 artificial substrates. In each sample, two replicas were taken for each substrate at the 2th, 4th, 7th, 14th, 21th28th, 35th and 42thdays of colonization. The organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. In both substrates 3,070 benthic invertebrates were detected, of which 1,753 individuals were collected on the natural substrate, and 1,317 on the artificial substrate. From the identified taxa 8.5% were not dominant (Anacroneuria, Orthocladiinae, Tupiara, Smicridea, Baetodes, Tupiperla, Macrogynoplax, Gripopteryx, Cylloepus, Macrelmis, Microcylloepus, Hetaerina, Argia, Coryphaeschna, Atopsyche, Pomacea, Corydalus, Leptohyphes and Eccoptura), and31.5% were dominant (Tanypodinae, Chironominae, and Paragripopteryx). The genus Simulium was very common, dominant and abundant, representing 65% of the collected individuals. No significant difference was found in the abundance and species composition between artificial and natural substrates. On the natural substrate, the higher colonization index was at the 35th day with 459 individuals, and the lowest was at the 14th day, with 87. On the artificial substrate the highest index was at the 42thday with 337 individuals, and the lowest was at the 4th day, with 85. Both natural and artificial substrates are efficient in characterizing the benthic community. In the evaluation of the ecological succession, it was not possible to observe a pattern that described the process, since the composition was nearly constant throughout the study period.

A century of onchocerciasis in Sierra Leone

In 1926, Blacklock first described onchocerciasis (OV) transmission by black fly, Simulium damnosum in Sierra Leone. In the 1950-1960's, high OV prevalence was demonstrated along the rivers and the existence of black flies nationwide except around the capital and the coastal plain of Bonthe. In 1957, control efforts started with insecticides along the river breeding sites. In 1974, the Onchocerciasis Control Programme focusing on vector control was launched, extending to Sierra Leone in the 1980s. From 1995, the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control commenced community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in hyper- [microfilaridermia (mf) prevalence≥40%] and meso- (nodule prevalence 20%-39%) sites. To be effective programme, coverage among the eligible population over five years of age needed be at least 80%. In the mid-1990s, the rebel war stopped vector control and effective CDTI was not established until 2006. Baseline data using skin snips from 39 sentinel villages found the average OV mf prevalence was 53.1% (28.9 mf/snip). From October 2008, albendazole was added in phases to CDTI for all communities in all 14 districts for lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination. In 2010, after five rounds of effective MDA, OV mf prevalence was 21.1% (8.29 mf/snip). Males had higher prevalence and density than females in both studies. Since then, OV control (acknowledging transmission continues) has transitioned to OV elimination assuming transmission can be interrupted once mf prevalence is less than 5%. In 2017, a rapid assessment was integrated into LF-Transmission Assessment Survey and independently in 8 and 4 districts respectively, designed by the Survey Sample Builder. Children aged 5-9 years were randomly selected from 177 clusters and tested by OV-16 (Rapid Diagnostic Tests, SD BIOLINE) using finger-prick blood samples. Overall, 17 441 children participated and 347 (2.0%) were positive (M: 2.4% versus F: 1.6%) (P10%). The LF- Transmission Assessment Survey sampling methodology does not take cognizance of black fly breeding sites, but did demonstrate ongoing transmission and another 4-5 rounds were advisable. A technical advisory committee has been established with representation from international experts to help plan for accreditation of onchocerciasis elimination around 2025.

Seasonal Variations in Biting Density and Infectivity of Simulium damnosum Complex in Ezeagu and Oji-River Local Government Areas of Enugu State, Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Onchocerciasis is a parasitic filarial disease of the tropics, having serious effects on global public health and the economy of endemic countries. Nigeria is among the most endemic countries, necessitating much research and control program interests. This study determined the rate of transmission of onchocerciasis in Oji-River and Ezeagu Local Government Areas of Enugu State, Nigeria. Methodology: Human landing sampling method was used to collect black flies. Parity assessment was conducted to determine the age of fly populations. Parous flies were further dissected to detect the presence or absence of Onchocerca larvae. Biting rates and transmission potentials were calculated using standard methods. The principal vector groups in the study area were identified morphologically. Results: A total of 352 adult female flies were collected during the study period. These were identified as members of the forest species of the S. damnosum complex. There were significant differences between monthly abundances of black flies caught during the entire study period (P < 0.04). Comparison of the monthly biting rates (MBRs) showed a significant difference in (P < 0.02). The MBR was lowest in February but highest in October. Generally, parity rate of over 50 % was observed throughout the period except for November. None of the flies dissected was infective. Diurnal biting activities of black flies between the months were significantly different from each other (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Onchocerciasis transmission is low in the studied area, and is largely by means of the forest black flies as these were the only observed group. None of the dissected flies was found to be infective. The findings of this study will be of tremendous benefit to policy makers in the National Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme. It calls for a continuous monitoring of onchocerciasis disease conditions in the study area.

Anticoagulation activity of salivary gland extract of oriental blackfly Simulium indicum

Objective: To study the morphology of the salivary gland of the female blackfly of the speciesSimulium indicum gland extract.Methods:(S. indicum) along with protein profile and anticoagulant activity of the salivary protein profile of the salivary gland extract (SGE) and anticoagulant activities against thrombin, and the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathways were found in S. indicum SGE in the TT, PT and APTT assays, respectively.Results:Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the and a more or less spherical reservoir. The protein contents of whole salivary glands were also quantified and the amount of salivary gland proteins in the adult female S. indicum was found out to be approximately 1.12±0.13 μg/female. At least 16 major and several minor protein bands Results revealed that each gland consisted of a cylindrical U-shaped secretory lobe were detected in the female salivary glands. The molecular masses of these major protein bands were estimated at 69, 65, 61, 58, 44, 42, 39, 33, 30, 28, 27, 26, 23, 21, 18 and 16 kDa, consecutively. Anticoagulant activities were found in S. indicum SGE in all the assays. It was found that SGE prolonged human plasma clotting time in a dose-dependent manner. Factor Xa inhibition was shown by the SGE of S. indicum. Percent inhibition value was 93.8. A positive correlation (r=0.89) was observed between total protein and percent inhibition of factor Xa. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the mode of action of the anticoagulant(s) is mainly on the inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa along with other target factors of the coagulation cascade.

Anticoagulation activity of salivary gland extract of oriental blackfly Simulium indicum

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the morphology of the salivary gland of the female blackfly of the species Simulium indicum (S. indicum) along with protein profile and anticoagulant activity of the salivary gland extract.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the protein profile of the salivary gland extract (SGE) and anticoagulant activities against thrombin, and the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathways were found in S. indicum SGE in the TT, PT and APTT assays, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Results revealed that each gland consisted of a cylindrical U-shaped secretory lobe and a more or less spherical reservoir. The protein contents of whole salivary glands were also quantified and the amount of salivary gland proteins in the adult female S. indicum was found out to be approximately 1.12±0.13 µg/female. At least 16 major and several minor protein bands were detected in the female salivary glands. The molecular masses of these major protein bands were estimated at 69, 65, 61, 58, 44, 42, 39, 33, 30, 28, 27, 26, 23, 21, 18 and 16 kDa, consecutively. Anticoagulant activities were found in S. indicum SGE in all the assays. It was found that SGE prolonged human plasma clotting time in a dose-dependent manner. Factor Xa inhibition was shown by the SGE of S. indicum. Percent inhibition value was 93.8. A positive correlation (r=0.89) was observed between total protein and percent inhibition of factor Xa.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present study demonstrated that the mode of action of the anticoagulant(s) is mainly on the inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa along with other target factors of the coagulation cascade.</p>

Biting on human body parts of Simulium vectors and its implication for the manifestation of Onchocerca nodules along Osun River, southwestern Nigeria.

Background: The biting preference of Simulium vectors has been known to influence the distribution of Onchocerca nodules and microfilariae in human body. There is, however, variation in biting pattern of Simulium flies in different geographical locations. This study investigates the biting pattern on human parts by Simulium vectors along Osun river system where Simulium soubrense Beffa form has been implicated as the dominant vector and its possible implication on the distribution of Onchocerca nodules on human body along the river. Methods: Flies were collected by consented fly capturers on exposed human parts namely head/neck region, arms, upper limb and lower limb in Osun Eleja and Osun Budepo along Osun river in the wet season (August– September) and the dry season (November–December) in 2008. The residents of the communities were also screened for palpable Onchocerca nodules. Results: The results showed that number of flies collected below the ankle region was significantly higher than the number collected on other exposed parts (p <0.05) while the least was collected on head/neck region in both seasons. The lower trunk was the most common site (60%) for nodule location at Osun Eleja followed by upper trunk (40%). Nodules were not found in the head and limb regions. At Osun Budepo, the upper trunk was the most common site of the nodule location (53.8%) followed by the lower trunk (38.5%) and head region (7.7%). Conclusion: Though, most of the flies were caught at the ankle region, the biting of other parts coupled with the presence of nodules at the head and upper trunk regions showed that Simulium vectors could obtain microfilariae from any part of the body, thus increasing the risk of onchocerciasis transmission.

Dermatite alérgica à picada de insetos em ovinos no estado do Pará / Allergic dermatitis to insect bites in sheep in the state of Pará

Foi estudada uma doença em 159 ovinos em 15 propriedades localizadas em sete municípios das mesorregiões nordeste e sudeste do estado do Pará e uma em um município do estado de Roraima. Os ovinos da raça Santa Inês e seus mestiços, de ambos os sexos e com dois a quatro anos de idade, eram os mais acometidos. A doença caracterizava-se por alopecia em diversas regiões do corpo, principalmente ao redor dos olhos; essas lesões evoluíam para eritemas multifocais, pequenas pápulas e crostas. Os animais apresentavam prurido intenso no local das lesões, inquietação, perda de peso e corrimento ocular. Sempre era observada a presença de mosquitos ao redor dos animais. Com o auxílio de um puçá foi realizada a captura de insetos associados às lesões, durante o repasto nos ovinos, para a identificação. Foram identificados insetos dos gêneros Simulium e Hippelates. Realizou-se biópsia da pele lesada de 10 ovinos. As lesões histológicas se caracterizaram por leves infiltrados inflamatórios mononucleares na derme, com presença de eosinófilos. Os estudos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos desses casos, bem como o descarte dos diagnósticos diferenciais, permitiram concluir que se trata de dermatite alérgica por picada de insetos.

A skin disease was studied in 159 sheep on 15 farms located in seven counties of northeastern and southeastern of the state of Pará and in one farm in the state of Roraima, Brazil. The disease affected mainly two to four year-old sheep of the Santa Ines breed and crossbreds. Clinical signs were characterized by alopecia, multifocal erythema, small papules, and crusts in several areas of the body, mainly around the eyes. Severe itching in the affected areas, restless, weight loss and lacrimation were also observed. Insects were always seen around the animals. Insects apparently associated with the lesions were captured and identified as pertaining to the genera Simulium and Hippelates. Biopsies of the skin lesions of 10 sheep revealed inflammatory non suppurative mononuclear infiltrates of the dermis with presence of eosinophils. The epidemiologic, clinical and pathological studies of the cases allowed the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis due to the insect bites.

Distribuição espacial e variação temporal da composição de espécies de borrachudos (Diptera: Simuliidae) em uma microbacia situada no norte do Paraná / Spatial distribution and temporal variation in composition of black fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) in a small watershed located in the Northern of Paraná State, Brazil

In this work, the survey of simuliid species and the study of their spatial distribution in four streams of a small watershed situated in Londrina, Paraná State, were carried out from January to October 2007. Changes in the species composition of the breeding sites were also checked along the sampling months. Seventeen black fly species were found, being Simulium botulibranchium Lutz, Simulium travassosi d'Andretta & d'Andretta, Simulium anamariae Vulcano, Simulium brachycladum Lutz & Pinto and Simulium metallicum s. l. Bellardi new records for Paraná State. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis showed that the environmental variables most correlated to the species distribution among sample sites were water conductivity and those linked to physical dimensions of the breeding sites, like width, depth and water velocity. The matrix of faunistic similarity among collecting dates was negatively correlated to the time interval of sampling matrix for three of the water bodies studied, showing the existence of temporal changes in the species composition. According to Multiple Regression Analysis, temporal abundance variation of Simulium perflavum Roubaud, Simulium inaequale Paterson & Shannon and Simulium lutzianum s. l. Pinto was not linked to air temperature, photoperiod and rainfall, suggesting the influence of other factors, probably those directly associated to specific breeding site conditions. The results indicate that differences in physical and chemical characteristics among water bodies may affect the taxonomic composition of simuliids in this watershed.

Simulium (Inaequalium) marins, a new species of black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) from inselbergs in Brazil

A new species of black fly, Simulium (Inaequalium) marins (Diptera: Simuliidae), is described based on the male, female, pupa and larva. This new species was collected from two localities: a small stream on the Pico dos Marins, a high mountain with granite outcrops in Piquete County, state of São Paulo, and in a small stream in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

New records of the black fly fauna (Diptera: Simuliidae) in two rivers of the western Amazonia, Brazil / Novos registros da simuliofauna (Diptera: Simuliidae) em dois rios da Amazônia Ocidental, Brasil

Our goal was to verify the presence and the composition of black floy species in the Antimari and Acre rivers, located in the end of Western Amazonia, where this entomological inquiry was accomplished. Along the Antimari and Acre rivers, 19 localities were studied and 133 larvae and 197 pupae were collected, totalizing 330 black floy immatures. The following species are recorded for the first time in this area: Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) amazonicum Goeldi, Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) oyapockense Floch & Abonnenc, Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) quadrifidum Lutz, Simulium (Psilopelmia) lutzianum Pinto, Simulium (Psilopelmia) perfloavum Roubaud and Simulium (Notolepria) exiguum Roubaud. Our data suggest that S. amazonicum, S. oyapockense and S. quadrifidum have a wide geographical distribution as well as population density.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a presença e composição de simulídeos nos rios Antimari e Acre, localizados no extremo oeste da Amazônia Ocidental. Foram levantados 19 pontos de coleta ao longo dos rios Antimari e Acre, onde foram coletadas 133 larvas e 197 pupas, totalizando 330 imaturos de simulídeos. As seguintes espécies foram encontradas pela primeira vez na região: Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) amazonicum Goeldi, Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) oyapockense Floch & Abonnenc, Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) quadrifidum Lutz, Simulium (Psilopelmia) lutzianum Pinto, Simulium (Psilopelmia) perfloavum Roubaud e Simulium (Notolepria) exiguum Roubaud. Os resultados sugerem que S. amazonicum, S. oyapockense e S. quadrifidum têm distribuição geográfica mais ampla e são mais frequentes nessa região.

Occurrence of filamentous fungi in Simulium goeldii Cerqueira & Nunes de Mello (diptera: simuliidae) larvae in central Amazonia, Brazil / Ocorrência de fungos filamentosos associados a larvas de Simulium goeldii Cerqueira & Nunes de Mello da Amazônia Central, Brasil

The family Simuliidae is the host of simbiontes fungi that inhabit the digestive tracts of arthropods. This paper reports the presence of fungi in Simulium goeldii Cerqueira & Nunes de Mello larvae in Amazonia. We observed that the larvae are a good component of aquatic systems to isolate filamentous fungi.

A família Simuliidae é hospedeira de fungos simbiontes que habitam o trato digestivo de artrópodos. Este estudo reporta a presença de fungos em larvas de Simulium goeldii Cerqueira & Nunes de Mello da Amazônia. Foi observado que as larvas são bons componentes do sistema aquático para isolar fungos filamentosos.

Susceptibility of Simulium damnosum complex larvae to temephos in the Tukuyu onchocerciasis focus; southwest Tanzania

Tukuyu onchocerciasis focus was earmarked for vector control using insecticide against larval stages.Susceptibility tests of mature larvae of Simulium damnosum s.l. vectors to temephos insecticide were carried out before and after two years of insecticide treatment of rivers within Tukuyu onchocerciasis focus, south-western Tanzania. The tests were done in 1999/2000 and 2004 using WHO standard methods. Mature larvae were exposed to 9 concentrations of temephos active ingredient, from the weakest 0.00975mg/litre to the strongest of 2.5mg/l. Each test concentration and control was run in duplicates of 25 larvae each, set for three hours in a cool temperature. After incubation, test solution was discarded and larval condition checked. Numbers of larvae in each category were recorded and used to determine mortality rate for each concentration as well as for the LC50 and LC95. A total of 1,666 larvae were tested, 942 during the pre- and 724 post-treatment. Results showed that both pre and post-treatment samples were susceptible, attaining 100% mortality at the diagnostic dose of 1.25mg/l, and LC50 between 0.129-0.34mg/l pre - and 0.144-0.211 mg/l (95% CI, P<0.05) post- treatment. These values fall within the standard diagnostic dose of ≤0.4mg/l for susceptible S. damnosum s.l populations. It was concluded that the endemic S. damnosum population was susceptible to temephos before and after two years of intermittent field application. Temephos was thus recommended for continued use in onchocerciasis vector control in the Tukuyu focus, to complement Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin, but close monitoring of vector susceptibility should be done

A new species of the multistriatum species-group of Simulium (Simulium) (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Northern Thailand

<I>Simulium</I> (<I>Simulium</I>) <I>chanyae</I> sp. nov. is described based on two female adult specimens collected in Northern Thailand. This new species is assigned to the <I>multistriatum</I> species-group of the subgenus <I>Simulium</I> (<I>Simulium</I>), and is easily distinguished from most of the other known species of this species-group by the yellowish legs.

A Case of Blackfly Bites / 대한피부과학회지

A 22-year-old man visited our clinic with a 1 month history of pruritic, multiple and erythematous papules with crust. At first, he was asymptomatic, but the bites subsequently became hard and developed into pruritic papules. There are many small black flying insects in the Gangwon province where he worked. He found that some of the insects had attached to the skin lesions, and so were brought to us. They were identified as blackflies, of the Simulium sp. Since there have been no reports of blackfly bite in Korea, we herein report a case of blackfly bites by Simulium sp.

A NEW SPECIES OF SIMULIUM (NEVERMANNIA) FROM THE OGASAWARA (BONIN) ISLANDS, JAPAN (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE)

<I>Simulium</I> (<I>Nevermannia</I>) <I>satakei</I> sp. nov. is described on the basis of the pupa and mature larvae collected from the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands in Japan. This new species, tentatively (due to lack of the adult stage) assigned to the <I>vernum</I> species-group of the subgenus <I>Nevermannia</I>, is characterized in the pupa by four gill filaments lacking transverse ridges, and in the larva by a small, M-shaped postgenal cleft, antenna without hyaline bands, and simple rectal papilla. The morphological differences among this new species and the two known species, <I>S</I>. (<I>N</I>.) <I>uemotoi</I> from Japan and <I>S</I>. (<I>N</I>.) <I>karzhantacum</I> from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, are noted. This is the second species of the family Simuliidae from the Islands.

DISCOVERY OF TWO MORE NEW SPECIES OF SIMULIUM (MONTISIMULIUM) (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) IN DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Two more new black-fly species of the rare subgenus <I>Simulium</I> (<I>Montisimulium</I>) were discovered in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand, where <I>S</I>. (<I>M</I>.) <I>merga</I> Takaoka and Choochote was known as the only named species. These two new species, <I>S</I>. (<I>M</I>.) <I>angkaense</I> sp. nov. and <I>S</I>. (<I>M</I>.) <I>laoleense</I> sp. nov., are described on the basis of the pupal and⁄or mature larvae. Both new species are easily distinguished from <I>S</I>. (<I>M</I>.) <I>merga</I> by the pupal gill with 12 slender filaments, and from all the 16 known species with 12 pupal gill filaments in other countries by the long and very long common basal stalk of the gill, respectively.

TWO NEW SPECIES OF SIMULIUM (NEVERMANNIA) (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) FROM NORTHERN THAILAND

Two new species of black flies, <I>Simulium</I> (<I>Nevermannia</I>) <I>fruticosum</I> sp. nov. and <I>S</I>. (<I>N</I>.) <I>chiangklangense</I> sp. nov. are described on the basis of samples collected in northern Thailand. These new species are assigned to the <I>feuerborni</I> species-group of the subgenus <I>Simulium</I> (<I>Nevermannia</I>), and are easily distinguished from <I>S</I>. (<I>N</I>.) <I>feuerborni</I> Edwards, the only species of the same group known thus far in Thailand, by their simple cocoon without any anterodorsal projection.

A NEW SPECIES OF SIMULIUM (SIMULIUM) FROM NORTHERN THAILAND (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE)

<I>Simulium (Simulium) phukaense</I> sp. nov. is described on the basis of the observation of females and males (both sexes of adults reared from pupae) and pupae collected in Nan Province, northern Thailand. This new species is assigned to the <I>griseifrons</I> species-group of the subgenus <I>Simulium (Simulium)</I> and is easily distinguished from other known species of this species-group by the simple shoe-shaped cocoon, as well as the arrangement of the six gill filaments.

TAXONOMIC NOTES ON THE GRISEIFRONS SPECIES-GROUP OF SIMULIUM (SIMULIUM) (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) IN NORTHERN THAILAND

Two known and two new species of the <I>griseifrons</I> species-group of the subgenus <I>Simulium</I> (<I>Simulium</I>) in Northern Thailand are reported. The male, pupa and mature larva of <I>S. </I>(<I>S.</I>) <I>rudnicki</I> Takaoka and Davies, and the pupa and mature larva of <I>S.</I> (<I>S.</I>) <I>suchariti</I> Takaoka and Choochote, are described for the first time. Furthermore, two new simuliid species, <I>S.</I> (<I>S.</I>) <I>mediocoloratum</I> sp. nov. and<I> S.</I> (<I>S.</I>) <I>crocinum</I> sp. nov., both of which are very similar to <I>S.</I> (<I>S.</I>) <i>rudnicki</i>, are also described.