The flight of tsetse flies (Diptera : Glossinidae) to and from a stationary ox

Abstract

Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. and G. pallidipes Aust. flying to and from a stationary ox were captured by a wall of electrocuting netting at distances ranging from 45 m upwind of the ox to 120 m downwind. The pattern of catches at each distance suggested that most flies not recently fed were attracted to the ox from downwind, from distances up to about 90 m. Most flies leaving the ox flew downwind. This was most marked for flies that had fed on the ox, some of which travelled 120 m within about 30 min of engorging.