The differentiation of the leishmaniasis vector Phlebotomus papatasi from the suspected vector P.bergeroti (Diptera: Phlebotominae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The inability to distinguish females of Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) and P.bergeroti Parrot reliably is of considerable epidemiological significance since papatasi is a well‐known vector, and bergeroti is a suspected vector, of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Previous methods for distinguishing them are either vague (pharyngeal armature) or unreliable (sper‐mathecae). Detailed evaluation of the relative length of the ascoid on the fourth antennal segment shows it to be an unambiguous and reliable character for distinguishing both sympatric and allopatric populations. The biological differentiation of the two species is reviewed.