Ecological studies and laboratory rearing of the tsetse species Glossina longipennis Corti in Kenya

Abstract

Observations were made on the tsetse species Glossina longipennis Corti in Nkruman escarpment, Kenya. The species inhabited relatively open areas of the bushland. The rate of infection with trypanosomes was studied as well as the activity pattern and amenability to trapping. Results of laboratory rearing are given. Trypanosome infection rate was higher in female flies than in male ones. The method of using a slow moving vehicle, resulted in the capture of more old flies than young ones-of both sexes-and more males than females. G. longipennis was not amenable to trapping by any of the two mechanical traps used (Moloo's trap, and the biconical trap of Challier and Laveissiere).

Control ofGlossina longipennis(Diptera: Glossinidae) by insecticide-treated targets at Galana Ranch, Kenya, and confirmation of the role ofG.longipennisas a vector of cattle trypanosomiasis

“…This is similar to the infection rates of 1.4% and 0.2% for T. vivax and T. congolense, respectively, found in G. longipennis in another part of Galana Ranch (Baylis, 1997). These are below levels reported previously for G. longipennis at Nguruman in south-west Kenya (3.4 and 1.7% for males and females respectively with T. vivax and 6.6 and 3.3% with T. congolense) (Owaga, 1981). Transmission of these species of trypanosomes was active among cattle in Galana, however, with incidences of over 60% in both Tank E and Lali sites at certain seasons.…”

“…One such area is Galana ranch in Coast Province, Kenya, and a previous study demonstrated that G. longipennis were attracted to, and fed upon, cattle (Makumi et al, 1996). The vectorial role of this species is, however, virtually unknown, although it has been found to be infected with some species of trypanosomes in the field (Owaga, 1981;Dransfield et al, 1990).…”

Flight behaviour of tsetse flies in thick bush (Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae))

“…The work was carried out at the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology Field Station at Nguruman, south-western Kenya (l°50'S 36° 5'E, altitude 600 m). The area is in a generally semi-arid zone and is described by Owaga (1981) and Kyorku (1989). The experimental site was in dense thicket and gallery Correspondence: Dr J. Brady, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks, SL5 7PY, UK.…”

Comparative susceptibility of Glossina longipennis and G. brevipalpis to pathogenic species of Trypanosoma

“…Observations made in the field studies are in agreement with the results here, in that the two fusca group tsetse show low infection prevalences by pathogenic Trypanosoma species. Owaga (1981) working at Nguruman, Kenya, reported infection prevalences in G. longipennis by T. vivax and T. congolense of 2.5 and 4.8%, respectively, but did not encounter any T. brucei infection. Makumi (1994) examined G. longipennis from Galana Ranch, Kenya, and observed infection prevalences in this tsetse of 1.1% by T. vivax and 0.2% by T. congolense, but none showed salivary gland infection.…”