Notes on the Discovery and Biology of Glossina brevipalpis Newst. in the Mosso Region (Urundi)

Abstract

Glossina brevipalpis Newst. is recorded for the first time in Ruanda-Urundi, where it has been found in the riverine forest of the upper Malagarasi river in the south-east of the territory.Resting places of both male and female flies have been found to be on tree trunks, between six and twelve feet up, in heavily shaded riverine thickets.The species is clearly crepuscular. It is suggested that the male's habit of resting on paths toward sunset is due to thermotropism rather than to phototropism, or that it may be related to passage of game.Numerous puparia have been found in a late-dry-season breeding ground; these have hatched readily.The animals encountered near the habitat of G. brevipalpis.Infections by trypanosomes have been found in proboscis, gut and salivary glands, but experiments on transmission of these trypanosomes from the wild flies to goat, guineapig and rabbit have thus far failed. Research is at present being carried on to determine the nature of the trypanosomes, of which there are probably several.