Fauna and relative frequency of synanthropic flies in the biggest Persian Gulf Island, Qeshm, Iran

Objective: To identify the relative abundance of medically important species of flies and their seasonal activity on Qeshm Island in Persian Gulf, Iran. Methods: Flies collection was performed during Mar 2011 to Feb 2012 in all different areas of the island by using the common fly trap and plastic water bottle fly trap, reverse-cone model, containing tainted lamb or beef meat as bait. The captured flies were identified by using valid flies systematic keys, checklists and species description. The relative abundances and seasonal activity of flies, was estimated by means of flies captured per trap in every month. Results: In this study a total number of 11 species of medically important flies in three families including Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae and Muscidae, were collected. The relative means abundance of flies was estimated to be (6.3 ± 1.1) per trap. The most abundance was seen in rural areas in the South of Qeshm Island with (10.1 ± 1.5) per trap. In this island, medically impotent flies had two peaks of activity in early spring and early autumn, during April and October. Flies activity decreases in July and August due to the high increase of temperature and humidity of the weather. In February, the relative decrease in air temperature reduces the activity of the flies. Conclussions: Flies diversity and abundance in spring and early autumn were higher, especially in rural areas of Southern Qeshm Island. The high diversity and abundance of flies are moderate in Qeshm. Insect control measures should be conducted during the peak of flies activity. Peer reviewer P