Dispersal pattern of the sand fly Lutzomyia neivai (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic rural area in Southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT

Mark-release-recapture experiments were performed from August-November/99, February an March/00. The sand flies collected in Shannon traps were marked with data-and site-specific fluorescent powders (Bioquip Products) Inc.-red, yellowm blue and withe) and released in forest border and peridomicile habitats. Atempts to recapture were made with 6 Shannon and 16-20 CDC traps positioned until 200 m from the release points, until 8 nigths after release. All collections were examined in the laboratory under an ultra-violet lamp for fluorescence, and then sorted to especies and sex. The mean distance dispersed per day was calculated for males and females recaptured at 16 CDC traps adjusted for the area sampled.