Techniques to improve the maintenance of a laboratory colony of Nyssomyia neivai (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Author(s)

Goulart, Thais Marchi ^[1] ; de Castro, Camila Feitosa ^[2] ; Machado, Vicente Estevam ^[2] ; da Rocha Silva, Flavia Benini ^[2] ; Pinto, Mara Cristina ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Zool Anim, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut, Dept Ciencias Biol, BR-14801902 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PARASITES & VECTORS; v. 8, AUG 16 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Background: The most critical phase in sand fly colonization is the high mortality in the larval instars. In this study, we sought out strategies for improving the colonization of Nyssomyia neivai, one of the vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis agent in South America. Methods: A colony of Ny. neivai was established in the laboratory from a field population, and the productivity of adults was evaluated considering carrying capacity, diet for larvae and surface for oviposition. Results: The highest emergency rate of adults was achieved with the fewest couples inside 150 mL rearing chambers on a sterilized diet made of rabbit feces, rabbit food, soil and fish food and with vermiculite as a substrate for oviposition and the development of larvae. Conclusion: Our data on Ny. neivai colonization showed that the best adult productivities were achieved with fewer couples inside the rearing chambers; smaller rearing containers of 150 mL (due to less fungi growth); sterilized diet made of rabbit feces, rabbit food, soil and fish food; and vermiculite as the substrate for oviposition and development of larvae. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/23832-9 - Biological aspects of Nyssomyia neivai (Diptera: Psychodidae) and improvements in laboratory colonization techniques
• Grantee: Mara Cristina Pinto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants