How Do Tsetse Recognise Their Hosts? The Role of Shape in the Responses of Tsetse (Glossina fuscipes and G. palpalis) to Artificial Hosts

摘要: Palpalis-group tsetse, particularly the subspecies of Glossina palpalis and G. fuscipes, are most important transmitters human African trypanomiasis (HAT), transmitting .95% cases. Traps insecticide-treated targets used to control tsetse but more cost-effective baits might be developed through a better understanding fly’s host-seeking behaviour. Electrocuting grids were assess numbers fuscipes quanzensis attracted landing on square or oblong black cloth varying in size from 0.01 m2 1.0 m2. For both species, increasing target (dimensions = 0.160.1 m) (1.061.0 increased catch ,4x however killed per unit area declined with suggesting that cost efficient not largest. f. quanzensis, horizontal oblongs, (1 m wide60.5 high) caught ,1.8x than vertical ones (0.5 wide61.0 opposite applied for p. palpalis. Shape preference was consistent over range sizes. as many oblong; while evidence is less strong same appears apply quanzensis. The results suggest should square, designs, judged by target, likely region 0.2560.25 oblongs unique amongst species,and it suggested this response related its anthropophagic behaviour hence importance vector HAT.