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

Abstract

The literature published during 1964-72 concerned with the ecology and control of Glossina is reviewed and put into context with previously published information. Thirty species or subspecies of Glossina are recognised. Improved methods of sampling have been developed which catch many more females of the morsitans group than other methods and allow more accurate estimates of population density and structure to be made than has been possible hitherto. New concepts of the activity and behaviour patterns of G. morsitans Westwood have been developed from work carried out both in the field and in the laboratory. Detailed studies on resting sites have been followed by successful control campaigns based on the selective use of insecticides. Most large-scale control campaigns during the period under review were based on applications of insecticides from the ground; other control methods used were aerial applications of insecticides, mechanical clearing of vegetation, selective game destruction and a small-scale project using the sterile insect release method. Techniques for identifying and assessing trypanosome infections in Glossina are described and a Table is given of infection rates in various species of tsetse. Differences in observed infection rates can result according to the time and method of sampling but actual infection rates are affected by a variety of factors including the maintenance temperature of puparia and adults, the age of the fly at the time of the infective feed, the age structure of the tsetse population and the hosts on which it feeds. Genetic differences in infedibility may occur between different individuals of a single species and certainly occur between different species. CONTENTS

Trypanosome infection rates in tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) and cattle during tsetse control operations in the Kagera River region of Rwanda

“…The significance of variation in infection rates in tsetse flies has been addressed in a number of reviews taking into account feeding habits, climatic conditions and geography (Ford & Leggate, 1961;Jordan, 1974;Ryan et ah, 1986). These studies have found a correlation across a wide variety of species and localities between T. vivax infection rates in tsetse flies and the proportion of blood meals taken from bovids.…”

Storage of male Glossina palpalis gambiensis pupae at low temperature: effect on emergence, mating and survival

“…Several action programmes have been implemented to control the vector and parasite in efforts to improve the livelihood of communities [4]. The sterile insect technique (SIT) has been part of the arsenal of techniques employed in area-wide control of G. p. gambiensis in parts of West Africa [16,17] and considerable efforts have been directed towards improving the application of the technique [18][19][20][21][22].…”

Studies on the reproductive status, catch and age compositions of the tsetse fly, <i>Glossina pallidipes</i> populations in the Nechisar National Park in southern Ethiopia

“…Different sampling methods have been reported to produce catches of tsetse, which differs in numbers, physiology and trypanosome infections (Jordan, 1974;Randolph and Rogers, 1981). The higher number of female G pallidipes (52.49%) caught at all habitats may be explained in relation to the fact that, the longevity of female flies is more on the average, than that of male tsetse flies, (FAO, 1982; Amare Berhanu, 1995).…”