Direct observations on the responses of tsetse flies (Diptera, Glossinidae) to hosts

Abstract

AbstractTo elucidate the host preferences of tsetse, an observer followed animals as they wandered in woodland infested with Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. From 55 to 88 landings by tsetse and 0·2–3·0 engorgements were seen per hour on ox, dog, bushpig and adult warthog, as against 14 landings and no engorgements on warthog 2–5 months old and 0·3–1·7 landings and no engorgements on impala and bushbuck. Many of the landings and most of the engorgements on adult suids occurred near the eye but this region was not attractive with other animals and young warthog. Unsuccessful attempts were made to determine the attractive stimuli from the eye region of adult suids.