The Simuliidae (Diptera) of Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Fourteen species of SIMULIIDAE (of which one occurs in two forms) are recorded from Northern Nigeria. Localities for each species are given on distribution maps. Most of the species are of fairly general occurrence in the Ethiopian Region, although Simulium kenyae De Meillon is recorded for the first time from West Africa. No new species was found in an extensive survey of about 200,000 square miles.Some notes are included on the breeding habits of the species, particularly the type of breeding site preferred, the altitudes at which breeding occurs, and the months in which immature stages have been found.Some discussion is given of the distribution of SIMULIIDAE in Northern Nigeria and the factors which appear to influence it, partly illustrated by maps. The most important factor is thought to be the geology of the country, which determines the areas of rivers suitable for breeding. Other factors such as climate, altitude, or vegetation zones, seem to play little part, except in the far north.