A simple technique for observing and collecting the saliva of tsetse flies (Diptera, Glossinidae)

Abstract

Hungry tsetse flies (Glossina morsitans Westw.) are confined individually on the stretched wing membrane of a bat. Only 10–20 s after the tarsi touch the membrane, the flies probe and salivate, the main saliva flow following after penetration. The clear colourless saliva is easily collected onto a microscope slide.