Kabowra flies of the Rupununi District, Guyana

ABSTRACT

This paper present some of the data obtained during three visits to the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana in 1969 and 1970 to define the nature of the "Kabowra Fly" problem. Collections of biting flies and immature forms, from which adults were reared, were made at Lethem, Orinduik and Kato during the beginning and end of the dry season. Identification of the species found was made difficult by the lack of previuos literature on the simuliidae of the area. However, at least thirteen species have been found breeding in the nearby rivers and streams. Four species were found biting. Of these only Simulium guianense Wise could be identified with certainty. At Lethem and Manari, the most heavily populated areas, the nuisance was due to one species (near S. Incrustatum). A small species, possibly S. sanguineum was biting at Dadanawa, Orinduik, Good Hope and Kato, whilst S. guianense was also found at Orinduik, and a fourth unidentified species at Kato. It was concluded that because at least four species are involved in the problem, and since so little is known of their habits and taxonomy, any further field investigation will require the support of a detailed tazanomic study (AU)