Behavioural studies of Glossina morsitans Westw. using tantalum-182

Abstract

Investigations, using tantalum-182, into the behaviour of Glossina morsitans Westw. in large field cages are described. Individual straight-line displacements occurred on average about every three hours and were generally small and erratic in direction. The perimeters of the cages tended to ‘ trap ’ an enclosed population, but flies appeared to move to the walls more quickly when they were shaded by an outer covering of hessian. Horizontal distribution and movements of flies did not appear to be associated directly with the enclosed vegetation, artificial roosting sites or host animals. Observations on vertical displacements indicated diurnal movements to and from boles of trees and changes in roosting heights. The majority of flies rested between six and ten feet above the ground, though individuals were seen from ground level to 30 ft. Few observations were done at night, but two flies were seen on the underside of leaves.

Active and resting behaviour of virgin and pregnant females ofGlossina morsitans morsitansWestwood (Diptera: Glossinidae) in the laboratory

“…Virgin and pregnant females of G. m. morsitans were extremely inactive, displaying between three and 25 movements in four and a half hours, which compares with the findings of Dean et al (1969) who recorded a single displacement, on average, every three hours. Bursell (1957) observed individuals remaining stationary for 10 h or more, and Brady (1972a) recorded only 12 min of activity per day.…”

Recent developments in the ecology and methods of control of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) (Dipt., Glossinidae)—a review

“…This pattern of activity and inactivity has been compared by Brady (1970) to the known course of proline consumption and recovery during periods of flight and rest (Bursell, 1963). Bursts of activity in the laboratory can be presumed to represent the short flights of wild flies searching their natural environment (Dean, Williamson & Phelps, 1969;Bursell, in Mulligan & Potts, 1970). Those ' searching' flies which eventually find an attractive food source have been shown to contain less proline and more alanine and glutamate, suggesting they had been more active, than other flies caught from the ' swarm' following a fly round party (Bursell & Slack, 1969).…”

“…The work of Vale (1971) on natural and artificial refuge resting sites has already been discussed (p. 365). Dean, Williamson & Phelps (1969), also in Rhodesia, fixed small pieces of tantalum-182 wire to the thorax of G. m. morsitans and detected resting flies with a radiation monitor in large cages. Results were unsatisfactory in that most flies rested on the walls of the cages ; it was concluded that most flies rested 6-10 ft above the ground, although some occurred at ground level and others at 30 ft.…”

Resting site preferences of the tsetse Glossina morsitans submorsitans Newstead (Diptera:Glossinidae) in Mali

“…This has been shown to be the period of peak diurnal feeding activity of G. m. suhmorsitans (Davies, 1967) and the closely related G. m. morsitans (Pilson and Pilson, 1967;Dean et al, 1969). This has been shown to be the period of peak diurnal feeding activity of G. m. suhmorsitans (Davies, 1967) and the closely related G. m. morsitans (Pilson and Pilson, 1967;Dean et al, 1969).…”