Insects of Medical and Veterinary Importance at the Hadejia Nguru Wetlands of Nigeria

DOI:36108/NJE/9991/61.0110

MOlTA, N.B., BDLlYA, H.H., AKINSOLA, O.A. and BUAHIN, G.K.A.

ABSTRACT: Base-line data on the variety of insects of medical and veterinary importance was collected at various sites in the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands of Nigeria during November 1995 to March 1997. Entomological methods employed include use of Challier- Laveissiere (biconical) traps, aspirators (pooters), knock-down insecticide spraying, water-nets and laddIe for sampling of aquatic bodies as well as visual examination. Ten Diptera, seven Hymenoptera and one Hemiptera were sampled with the biconical trap. Of common occurrence in the biconical trap catches were the housefly (Musca domestica L.) and the tabanidflies (Tabanus gratus, and T. lineola F). The housefly Hippobosca variegatus Megerle was conunon on cattle at various sites, but was only collected in malaise trap catches or using sweep net. Insecticide spray catches included mosquitoes (Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say, C. annulioris and Anopheles species), housefly the calliphorid blowflies (Lucilia cuprina Wied. and Crysomya albiceps Wied.) and wasps (Labus macrostylus Kh. and Polistes sp). Eight species of mosquitoes, comprising two spp of Culex and seven spp of Anopheles were identified among the aspirator and insecticide spray catches. ‘Only one tsetse fly (Glossina sp.) was collected with the malaise trap mounted at the river bank at Sara Dugum near Katagum, Bauchi State. Details of the findings and their implications for the health standard of living of the area are discussed.

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