Population dynamics and biting rhythm of the anthropophilic sandfly Lutzomyia cruciata (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Southeast, Mexico
Rebollar-Tellez, E.A.; Reyes-Villanueva, F.; Fernandez-Salas, I.; Andrade-Narvaez, F.J.
Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo 38(1): 29-33
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-4665 PMID: 8762636 Document Number: 467455
Sandflies attracted by human bait were caught in an endemic focus of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis in the state of Campeche, Mexico. Catches were carried out monthly from February 1994 to January 1995 between 18:00 and 22:00 h. L. cruciata was the only species caught. The highest population peak of L. cruciata was found in March with lesser peaks in February and December 1994 and January 1995. Maximum biting rate of L. cruciata was found between 18:00 and 19:00 h. The host-seeking females of L. cruciata were directly related to levels of humidity between 88 and 100%. Low and high temperature had a negative effect upon L. cruciata activity. The possible role of L. cruciata as vector of Leishmania mexicana in Campeche is discussed.