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Vertical distribution of S tomoxys spp. ( D iptera: M uscidae) in a rainforest area of G abon
Author(s) -
Mavoungou Jacques François,
Kohagne Tongué Lisette,
AcapoviYao Geneviève Lydie,
Gilles Jérémie,
Ketoh Koffivi Guillaume,
Duvallet Gérard
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1111/aje.12018
Subject(s) - rainforest , abundance (ecology) , canopy , porcupine , biology , habitat , ecology , zoology , horticulture
The vertical distribution of S tomoxys spp. was studied in a rainforest area, I passa‐ M akokou biosphere reserve located in the I vindo N ational P ark of G abon. From A pril to J une 2006, V avoua traps were set out during 15 consecutive days per month at different heights above ground level corresponding to vertical layers of rainforest: 50 cm, 10, 20 and 30 m. S tomoxys calcitrans, S . transvittatus, S . omega, S . niger niger and S . niger bilineatus were more abundant at near ground level (50 cm), whereas abundance of S . xanthomelas was greatest in traps higher (20 and 30 m) in the canopy. Fly abundance was significantly different among vertical layers of the forest ( H = 36.91; P < 0.001, ddl = 3), and among species to another ( H = 41.11, P < 0.001). Vertical distribution of fly species corroborates feeding behaviour as the identification of blood meal origins showed heterogeneity of feeding hosts. High densities of flies were also observed at 10 m, and most S . inornatus were captured at that level. These results show that S tomoxyine flies in this rainforest are present in all vertical layers, from the ground level to the canopy. Their ubiquity, regarding both their habitats and their hosts, should be taken into account if a vector control strategy is planned in this touristic area.