Field and laboratory observations on Psychodopygus lainsoni Fraiha & Ward and other sandflies (Diptera, Phlebotomidae) from the Transamazônica highway, Pará State, Brazil

Abstract

Descriptions are given of the collection and rearing of Psychodopygus lainsoni Fraiha & Ward and five sympatric species, P. carrerai (Barretto), a member of the P. squamiventris group, Lutzomyia anduzei (Rozeboom) and two undescribed species closely related to L. anduzei (Rozeboom) designated L. sp. no. 260.43 and 260.44, all from the Altamira region of the Transamazônica highway, Pará State, Brazil. Fungal contamination of rearing containers and a reluctance of reared flies to feed prevented the establishment of closed colonies of these silvatic species. Storage of P. lainsoni eggs at 15°C delayed hatching, and reduced hatch rates and larval viability. Pupal storage at 12°C failed to inhibit emergence. Diapause is reported in the egg stage of L. sp. 260.44.