Aspects of the biology of Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Kurunegala district

The sand fly species Phlebotomus argentipes is reported to be the suspected primary vector of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka transmitting Leishmania donovani which causes visceral leishmaniasis. Thus, studies about some aspects of the reproductive biology of P. argentipes and the performances of immature stages are highly important for adopting control measures. Accordingly, sand flies were captured from the wild using five CDC light traps set in pre-identified places in the Kurunegala district. Gravid and fully engorged females were sorted out and they were directly placed for oviposition in plaster of Paris lined pots. The unengorged ones were allowed to feed on a mouse and placed for oviposition in similar pots. The rate of oviposition, egg hatching, and adult emergence was determined by making daily observations. Moreover, the duration of eggs, each larval instar, pupae, and adult longevity were recorded. According to the observations the life cycle of P. argentipes lasted about 3 to 4 months. The eggs were laid 10-13 days after the blood meal, and they hatched after 12-16 days. Similarly, each second instar, third instar, fourth instar and pupae spent 12-16 days for the emergence. However, the pupal duration was 8-10 days. Furthermore, the rate of oviposition was 15.8 per female and egg hatching and adult emergence was 62.52% and 52.32% respectively. The longevity of the emerged adults was 8-15 days. The information presented on P. argentipes in this study is highly important to initiate and maintain a sand fly colony under laboratory conditions for the implementation of successful control measures.