Identification of semiochemicals attractive to Simulium vittatum (IS ‐7)

The objective of this study was to identify compounds excreted by mammalian hosts that are attractive to host‐seeking S. vittatum females. The attractiveness of putative compounds to colonized S. vittatum was tested through electrophysiological (electroantennography; n = 58 compounds) and behavioural (Y‐tube assays; n = 7 compounds in three concentrations) bioassays. Five compounds were significantly attractive to host‐seeking S. vittatum females: 1‐octen‐3‐ol; 2‐heptanone; acetophenone; 1‐octanol, and naphthalene. These candidate compounds might be useful as attractants in traps that could be developed for use in alternative or complementary management tactics in programmes to suppress nuisance blackfly populations, or for the collection of samples in which to study the transmission ecology of pathogens transmitted by blackflies of the S. vittatum complex.

Source: Medical and Veterinary Entomology - December 1, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: G. G. VEROCAI, T. W. McGAHA, J. P. IBURG, C. R. KATHOLI, E. W. CUPP, R. NOBLET, T. R. UNNASCH Tags: Original Article Source Type: research