Some aspects of Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) in greater Cairo, Egypt

Exogenous and indigenous cases of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis are reported in several Egyptian Governorates particularly those in the Nile Delta, Phlebotomus paptasi (Scopoli) is the only proven insect vector. This paper was intended to study the seasonal abundance, nocturnal activity and breeding sites as well as other relevant behaviour aiming to throw some light on this insect vector. The results showed that: (a) the seasonal activity started in April and ended in November or beginning of December. (b) female outnumbered male indoors (7.4:1) and V.V. outdoors (0.14:1). (c) blood fed females were 97.7% indoors and 29.4% outdoors. (d) the nocturnal activity ranged between 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. indoors and 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. outdoors. (e) the immature stages of Phlebotomus were successfully recovered from rodent burrows and poultry sheds.