Studies on the ecology and sitribution of blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Imo state Nigeria

Abstract

Studies on the ecology and distribution of Simulium (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Imo State, Nigeria were undertaken to ascertain the presence or absence of Simulium in the different river systems as well as the distribution of the vector and non-vector species within the study area. A total of 18 breeding sites from 16 river systems in Imo State were sampled for Simulium pre-imaginal stages. The result shows that 7 sites from 5 rivers favored the breeding of blackflies. These breeding sites are: Imo River at Amuro, Umunumo Uboma and Nzerem; Ibii river at Umulolo Okigwe, Iyiechu at Okigwe town, Isi-iyi at Onicha Ezinihitte and Oguchie at Ngor. A total of 9 species of blackflies were identified in the course of this study; S. damnosum s. l. S. alcocki, S. schoutidein; S. mcmahon, S. hargreavesi, S. vorax, S. walshi, S. adersi and S. unicornitum. Rivers/Streams that support Simulium growth and development here rocky substrates, fast flowing, at some points, with high dissolved oxygen of between 6.5 and 7.2 mg/l. Simulium was not recorded in most seasonal polluted streams with accessed dissolved oxygen content and little or no dissolved nutrients.

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International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 2 (4) 2006: pp. 412-416