The ecology of lutzomyia umbratilis Ward & Fraiha (Diptera: Psychodidae), the major vector to man of Leishmania braziliensis guyanensis in north-eastern Amazonian brazil

Abstract

A description is given of the phlebotomine faunas of forests in north Pará State, Amazonian Brazil, that are endemic for ‘pian bois’-type dermal leishmaniasis of man caused by Leishmania braziliensis guyanensis. As judged by collections from human baits, mammal-baited traps, CDC miniature light traps and from various resting sites, only the females of Lutzomyia umbratilis Ward & Fraiha have the habits (both arboreal and terrestrial) and abundance (periodic, seasonal and spatial) consistent with being a major vector to man of Leishmania b. guyanensis. Man is at risk of infection by the bite of Lutzomyia umbratilis at any time of the year if he disturbs the females from their daytime resting sites (on and around the bases of the larger forest trees) or if he remains in the forest between late afternoon and dawn (1700–0700 h).