Aspects of sandfly biology in southern Switzerland

During three field surveys of phlebotomine sandflies in the region of Sessa, Minor Malcantone, southern Switzerland, annually 1987-89, Phlebotomus perniciosus and P. mascittii were caught regularly by means of light traps, but only when the traps were in close association with humans. The most productive catching sites were in the middle of Sessa village, in basements or partially closed shelters in the immediate vicinity of human dwellings. All catching sites outside the village were negative. The only other sandfly species caught was Sergentomyia minuta, four specimens only. P.perniciosus and P.mascittii always occurred together and were found to feed--at least occasionally--on human blood. Glucose and fructose were identified in wild-caught sandflies of both species. A breeding place of P. mascittii was identified in the basement of a house in the middle of Sessa. Analyses of soil samples revealed moderately loamy humus with a slightly acidic pH (5.6).