Sandfly species composition along an altitudinal transect in southern Sinai, Egypt

Abstract

In August 1984, sandflies were sampled using CDC light traps and sticky traps in 3 areas of southern Sinai, Egypt, representing different ecological conditions and altitudes. Of 489 specimens collected, 486 sandflies were identified: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. bergeroti, P. alexandri, P. sergenti, P. kazeruni, P. orientalis, P. arabicus, P. major, Sergentomyia tiberiadis, S. adleri/S. clydei, S. schwetzi, S. palestinensis, S. fallax and S. christophersi. Sandfly community composition and relative species abundance differed in the 3 areas and included 2 species in Abu Rudeis (on the coast), 13 species in Feiran oasis, and 12 species in St. Catherine (the highest altitude). Species composition also differed between wild and peridomestic habitats in each area, with species diversity greater in wild habitats. ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT: Sandflies were sampled in 3 areas of southern Sinai, representing different ecological conditions and defined by altitudes. Of 489 specimens collected, 486 sandflies were identified: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. bergeroti, P. alexandri, P. sergenti, P. kazeruni, P. orientalis, P. arabicus, P. major, Sergentomyia tiberiadis, S. adleri/clydei, S. schwetzi, S. palestinensis, S. fallax and S. christophersi. Sandfly community composition and relative species abundance differed in the 3 areas and included 2 species in Abu Rudeis (on coast), 13 species in Feiran oasis and 12 species in St Catherine (highest altitude). Species composition also differed between wild and peridomestic habitats in each area, with species diversity greater in wild habitats.AS ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT: Sandflies were sampled in 3 areas of southern Sinai, representing different ecological conditions and defined by altitudes. Of 489 specimens collected, 486 sandflies were identified: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. bergeroti, P. alexandri, P. sergenti, P. kazeruni, P. orientalis, P. arabicus, P. major, Sergentomyia tiberiadis, S. adleri/clydei, S. schwetzi, S. palestinensis, S. fallax and S. christophersi. Sandfly community composition and relative species abundance differed in the 3 areas and included 2 species in Abu Rudeis (on coast), 13 species in Feiran oasis and 12 species in St Catherine (highest altitude). Species composition also differed between wild and peridomestic habitats in each area, with species diversity greater in wild habitats.AS