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THE ETHOLOGY OF BLOOD-SUCKING MIDGES (DIPTERA: CERATOPOGONIDAE) WHILE ATTACKING ANIMALS
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| Author:
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A.A. GAVRICHKIN*, O.A.FIODOROVA, E.I. SIVKOVA, A.N. SIBEN
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| Abstract:
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The purpose of the research was to study the ethological peculiarities of blood-sucking midges (Diptera:
Ceratopogonidae) while attacking animals. The midges behaviour while attacking animals and humans was researched
using an entomological net with movable bags, sticky transparent tape (0.1?0.9 m), the Monchadsky’s net and
observational method. The interval between the accounts was 1 hour. The intensity of the attack or the abundance
index (AI) was recorded by the average and maximum indicators. Thus, in the period of massive flights of midgets
during the hours of their diurnal activity their massive approach to the animals was recorded. During this period they
were using an active searching flight or the first way of attacking their prey. The purposeful approach of midgets to
the animals against the wind demonstrates that the leading stimulus to searching a prey is a scent stimulus or the
animals’ smell spreading with the wind. Some previous researches demonstrated the possibility of using animal waste
substances such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid, octanol etc. to attract midgets and the usage of these substances in
traps for insects. We found out the high rate of zoophily and factorial orientation of midgets while searching for an
object for blood-sucking. For example, they almost do not attack humans, but the number of their attacks on animals
in herds is from 8 to 10 times bigger than on a solitary animal near herds.
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| Keyword:
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midges, searching for prey, seasonal dynamics, diurnal activity, abundance
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| EOI:
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-
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| DOI:
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https://doi.org/10.31838/ijpr/2018.10.04.027
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| Download:
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