Substrate colonization and relative abundance of immature forms of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in river Mada, Nasarawa State Nigeria

Ndubisi Raphael Uzoigwe, Chukwuemaka Ikechukwu Njoku, Gideon Aduk Amuga, Jael Asabe Yohanna

Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
Epidemiology and Control Division, Onchocerciasis Research Department, Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR), Vom, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/ae.2013.12006                

Abstract

Black flies, vectors of Onchocercavolvulus, are known to colonize fast flowing sections of rivers.A study on aspects of ecology of immature forms of black flies was conducted at River Mada. Larvae and Pupae of the Genus: Simulium were prospected on natural substrates found at various water currents along the course of the river over a 12-month period. Larvae of six speciesand pupae of three species were identified colonizing different substrates in the river. A total of 443 larvae and 142 pupae were collected, and thepeak month of collection was April. 405 (91.4%) larvae were identified as S.damnosum sl while 38 (8.6%) comprised S. adersi, S.hargreavesi, S.cervicornotum, S.
bovisand S.vorax. 110 (77.5%) of the pupae collected were S.damnosumsl while 32 (22.5%) were S.adersi, and S.hargreavesi. The larvae
unlike pupae appeared to be non discriminatory in substrate colonization and current preference. Paucity of the population of immature forms is observed and attributed primarily to scarcity of suitable substrates and other factors also discussed herein.

Keywords

Black Flies; Colonization; Immature Forms; Mada River; Relative Abundance; Substrates

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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