Rearing and Colonization of Lutzomyia evansi (Diptera: Psychodidae), a Vector of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Colombia

Rearing and Colonization of Lutzomyia evansi (Diptera: Psychodidae), a Vector of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Colombia

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The sandfly Lutzomyia evansi from a focus ice blue graphic tee of visceral leishmaniasis in northern Colombia was reared and maintained under laboratory conditions for five generations.The average time for total development was 41.8 days (range = 35.1- 49.6) at 25 oC and 89-95% of relative humidity.

The mean number of eggs laid was lower in laboratory bred females either in pots (13.2 eggs/female) or vials (29.9 eggs/female) than in wild caught females (33.4 eggs/female).Immature mortality, mainly due to fungal and mite contamination, was higher during the first feline 1-hcpch vaccine two instars than in the remaining immature stages.

Adults were robust and healthy although difficult to feed on hamster or chick skin membrane.In summary, Lu.evansi is a colonizable species but requires specific conditions.