Laboratory studies on blood-feeding of blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae). 1. Factors affecting the feeding rate

An blood/membrane apparatus was used to study the feeding responses of field-collected and lab-reared Simulium vittatum and Prosimulium mixtum. Both species showed preferences for human, horse, cow and pig bloods while neither fed in high rates on dog or goose bloods. These results are discussed in the context of field data on host preferences. Size was shown to be related to the feeding rates in S. vittatum, larger flies feeding more readily. Lab-reared S. vittatum females fed in decreasing rates over 1-8 days after emergence. This is believed to be related to the autogenous maturation of the ovaries in this species.