The response of Simulium (Eusimulium) euryadminiculum Davies (Diptera: Simuliidae) to some olfactory and visual stimuli

Abstract

The response of Simulium euryadminiculum Davies towards silhouettes of different shapes and colors was observed, using an ether extract of the uropygial gland of the common loon to concentrate the flies in the experimental locality and "Tanglefoot" to trap the flies on the silhouettes. These simuliids were attracted primarily to the head–neck portion of duck decoys, most flies landing on the leeward side. The simuliids were attracted to the terminal (and most prominent) portions of artificial head–neck or cylindrical silhouettes; the distribution was not markedly influenced by the color of the silhouette. The number of flies attracted to three-dimensional targets was markedly influenced by color, black being the most attractive and white relatively unattractive. This selection of black by the fly may reflect its adaptation to the color of its natural host, the loon. Response of the flies to a two-dimensional (plane surface) target was essentially similar except that white was the most attractive color and black was relatively unattractive. Possibly this selection of white is associated with a resting response.

Do secretions from the uropygial gland of birds attract biting midges and black flies?

“…Moreover, although a particular cue could attract insects, the combination of several derived stimuli could be more attractive to insects. Supporting this possibility, the ornithophilic Simulium euryadminiculum, which is highly attracted to extracts from uropygial glands (Fallis and Smith 1964), showed higher responses in the presence of both carbon dioxide and avian extracts than one stimulus alone, indicating a synergistic effect (Bennett et al 1972). Moreover, Allan et al (2006) found stronger mosquito attraction by the combined use of feathers and carbon dioxide than by using each component alone, although the strongest responses were obtained in the presence of a Leghorn hen.…”

“…Some black fly and mosquito species are attracted to secretions from the uropygial gland (Bennett et al 1972;Russell and Hunter 2005). However, in the case of Lutzomyia longipalpis, for example, a species commonly found in the field congregating around chicken coops, uropygial gland extracts did not increase insect captures (Nigam and Ward 1991).…”

“…For ornithophilic blood-sucking flying insects, volatile components from feathers or the skin or other avian-derived products, including faeces, also play a role in attracting insects (Lowther and Wood 1964;Fallis and Smith 1964;Allan et al 2006;Cooperband et al 2008;Syed and Leal 2009). In particular, secretions from the uropygial gland (also called preen gland), commonly used by birds for feather maintenance, may affect the interaction between insects and avian species (Lowther and Wood 1964;Fallis and Smith 1964;Bennett et al 1972;Russell and Hunter 2005).…”

Relative response to colored substrates by ovipositing blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae). I. Oviposition by Simulium (Simulium) verecundum Stone and Jamnback

“…Conversely, blood-seeking females of Simulium venustum Say land more frequently on dark purple, dark blue, and dark red, and least on dark green and yellow surfaces (Davies 1951(Davies , 1961(Davies , 1972. Females of S. euryadminiculum Davies, attracted by loon odor, similarly land least on yellow and green threedimensional objects (Bennett et al 1972). Such a shift in color preference in relation to behavioral state was noted also in Pieris brassicae (L.), the cabbage butterfly (Ilse 1928(Ilse , 1937.…”

Olfaction in vector-host interactions

“…Other reasons for certain areas of the body being preferred for biting may also relate to avoiding competition with other black fly or biting fly species. In ornithophilic species such as S. euryadminiculum and S. rugglesi, preferred biting sites are on the head and neck Bennett et al (1972) again presumably because the animal is less able to defend itself from flies in such places.…”