Studies of the Behaviour of the Tsetse-Fly (Glossina pallidipes) in the Field: The Attractiveness of Various Baits

Abstract

Two types of catches were carried out inside a thorn and manyara (Euphorbia tirucalli) thicket bordering an Acacia-C ommiphora bush, one with the bait animal being led along a path with stops at intervals to take the flies, the other with the bait animal tethered so that the flies are caught as they appeared. The latter method is preferable as 2 or more baits can be directly compared by stationing them a few yards apart, and it avoids the possible attraction of non-hungry [male][male] to a moving object. Both methods showed significant differences in the attractiveness of various bait animals, which in order of decreasing attractiveness ranked: 1) dog, ox, porcupine (Hystrix africae-australis), 2) domestic pig and a pig-scented screen, 3) sheep, goat, man, baboon, 4) serval cat (Leptailurvs serval), lion (Panthera leo), jackal (Canis mesomelas).