Variation of esterase electromorphs associated with bloodmeal digestion in phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae).

Esterases are often used to measure genetic variation, yet they may be influenced by external factors. Isoelectrofocusing was used to investigate the effects of bloodmeal on the esterase variation in wild populations of Phlebotomus (Larroussius) ariasi Tonnoir and P. (L.) perniciosus Newstead and in a colonized population of P. (Phlebotomus) duboscqi Neveu-Lemaire. Modified electrophoretic profiles were demonstrated to be associated with blood digestion. The bloodmeal-induced esterase electromorphs were only found in the abdomen homogenates of the sand flies. These changes in esterase phenotype were probably due to a proteolysis phenomenon and disappeared at the end of bloodmeal digestion. The effect was eliminated by adding trypsin inhibitors.

Laboratory testing of the insect repellent KBR 3023 against Phlebotomus duboscqi (Diptera: Psychodidae).

The relative efficacy of commercially available formulations of the new repellent KBR 3023 (Bayrepel, Bayer, Germany) was compared against Phlebotomus duboscqi. The results provided laboratory evidence of phlebotomine sandfly sensitivity.

The armature in the genital atrium as a new taxonomic character distinguishing females of Phlebotomus papatasi and P. duboscqi (Diptera: Psychodidae).

Descriptions are given of armatures in the genital atria of females of the two morphologically similar sandfly species, Phlebotomus papatasi and P. duboscqi. The species are distinguishable by the size and shape of the armature, the grouping of the spines in the armature and the length and shape of the spines. These characters have been shown to separate females of other closely related species of phlebotomine sandflies.

[The pharyngeal dentition of the females of Phlebotomus duboscqi Neveu-Lemaire, 1906 and of Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli, 1786) (Diptera: Psychodidae)]. / La denture pharyngienne des femelles de Phlebotomus duboscqui Neveu-Lemaire, 1906 et de Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli, 1786) (Diptera:Psychodidae).

Phlebotomus duboscqi and P. papatasi are morphologically closely related species. Scanning electron microscopy showed constant differences between pharyngeal teeth of the females.

[Comparison between Phlebotomus duboscqi Neveu-Lemaire, 1906, and Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli, 1786): morphological and isoenzymatic studies]. / Comparaison entre Phlebotomus duboscqi Neveu-Lemaire, 1906 et Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli, 1786): études morphologique et isoenzymatique.

Phlebotomus duboscqi et P.papatasi are morphologically closely related. Both species can be vectors of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World. In some African areas these two species are sympatric. Until now the females of the two species could not be differentiated. The authors investigated morphological characters and isoenzymatic characterization. Constant differences were observed. Moreover three interbreeding attempts were unsuccessful. These two species seemed to be considered as genuine species.

Isoenzyme characterization of Leishmania from man, dog and sandflies in the Maltese islands.

As a part of a general survey on leishmaniases and sandflies of the Maltese islands, 22 Leishmania stocks were isolated from human visceral (1) and cutaneous (1) cases, dogs (16) and sandflies (4). They were characterized by the analysis of 15 enzymes. The commonest Mediterranean L. infantum zymodeme, MON 1, was found to cause human and canine visceral leishmaniasis; L. infantum MON 78, which has so far been isolated only in Malta, was the agent of human cutaneous leishmaniasis. Both zymodemes were isolated from the same sandfly species, Phlebotomus perniciosus.

Absence of outer caudal setae on all larval instars of Phlebotomus tobbi from the Ionian Greek islands.

Larval instars 2, 3 and 4 of Phlebotomus tobbi Adler, Theodor & Lourie from the Greek islands of Corfu and Zakynthos were found to have two caudal setae instead of the four usually present on these instars of Phlebotomus larvae. In a scanning electron microscope comparison with larvae of P. papatasi (Scopoli), a sensillum was seen in place of each outer seta of P. tobbi larvae, suggesting secondary loss of the setae. As the larvae of less than a tenth of the species and subspecies of the genus Phlebotomus have been seen and described, it cannot be assumed that those of P. tobbi are unique in having only two caudal setae. However, four caudal setae in late instars can no longer be considered as a constant character of the genus Phlebotomus. Observations on the larvae of P. tobbi also raise the question of the unknown function of the caudal setae.

[Leishmaniasis in Greece: the sandflies of the Ionian islands and Aegean Sea]. / La leishmaniose en Grèce: les phlébotomes des iles Ioniennes et de la mer Egée.

Three entomological investigations have been carried out during the summers 1979, 1980 and 1982 in Ionian islands: Corfu, Cephalonia and Zante and in four Aegean Sea islands: the western Andros and Tinos (Cyclades) and eastern Samos and Ikaria. Systematic sampling with oiled paper traps produced 24 184 sandflies. Captures are analysed for each species.

[Differentiation of females of the subgenus Larroussius Nitzulescu 1931 (Diptera-Phlebotomidae) of the Mediterranean region]. / Sur la différenciation des femelles du sous-genre Larroussius Nitzulescu, 1931 (Diptera-Phlebotomidae) de la région méditerranéenne.

The observation of the distal part of spermathecal ducts shows basal dilatations whose form varies with species. This character can be used for specific identification of females belonging to Mediterranean species of Larroussius.