Studies on Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) in Uganda, East Africa.

Abstract

The importance of certain species of Stomoxys in Uganda, the possibility that these species may be responsible for the mechanical transmission of trypanosomiasis, and the effects of severe biting of Stomoxys on cattle causing loss in milk yields and weight in beef animals, is pointed out.A satisfactory method is described for rearing large numbers of Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) under the conditions that prevail in East Africa.A description of special cages for keeping the adults and for egg production is given, together with a technique for supplying the adults with 0·2 per cent, citrated bullocks' blood.A satisfactory egg-laying and breeding medium contained 9 oz. of dried cow dung, 5 oz. of dried blood granules and 1 oz. of sugar.A detailed description of the construction and working of a constant-temperature and humidity room for rearing larvae and pupae is given, the temperature and relative humidity of the room being maintained at 90°F. and 90 per cent., respectively.The maximum number of eggs that can be introduced into 1-lb. and 2-lb. Kilner jars without causing overcrowding and subsequent under-nourishment in the later larval instars was found to be 200 and 400, respectively.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Indicators of Rain: Evidence from Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda

“…Interestingly, the flying insects such as dragonflies are a good resource base for migrant birds (Brown et al 1982;Fry et al 2000Fry et al , 2004, hence the link between birds and insects as indicators of rainfall seasonality. Entomological studies done in the Rwenzori region in Western Uganda showed that Stomoxys calcitrans breed during the onset of rains but are adversely affected by the dry season (Kangwagye 1974;Parr 1959). The onset of rains provides good conditions in open grazing areas with moist rotted dung that enables eggs to hatch and the pupae to emerge into adult flies (Parr 1959).…”

“…Entomological studies done in the Rwenzori region in Western Uganda showed that Stomoxys calcitrans breed during the onset of rains but are adversely affected by the dry season (Kangwagye 1974;Parr 1959). The onset of rains provides good conditions in open grazing areas with moist rotted dung that enables eggs to hatch and the pupae to emerge into adult flies (Parr 1959). In the dry seasons, cattle kraals moist with rotted cow dung and urine provide good conditions for breeding (Parr 1959).…”

“…The onset of rains provides good conditions in open grazing areas with moist rotted dung that enables eggs to hatch and the pupae to emerge into adult flies (Parr 1959). In the dry seasons, cattle kraals moist with rotted cow dung and urine provide good conditions for breeding (Parr 1959). These insects are eaten by cattle egrets among grazing cattle and buffaloes (Urban 1982).…”