Using habitat and meterological cues to improve sand fly sampling methods

An imperative step in the development and implementation of any integrated pest management program is the refining of effective surveillance techniques. The population dynamics of Lutzomyia shannoni(Dyar), a phlebotomine sand fly, have been monitored in Kentucky since discovery in late 2005. Kentucky represents a significant range expansion for this species which is a competent vector of human and livestock disease agents. To better understand this species’ phenology, we developed and tested a heat unit accumulation model in spring of 2008 and 2009. We used the model to predict the emergence at three locations, ranging from the southwestern Kentucky border to south-central Ohio. The predictions of adult emergence produced by the model have been accurate within one day respective to field observations. Sensitivity testing established a forecast horizon of at least two weeks for a forecast with ±2 day accuracy. Based on our prior observations, habitats located along the edges of ecological transition zones between deciduous woodlands and grasslands anecdotally yielded the most productive sites for L. shannoni. The spatial distribution of this species was investigated by setting traps at randomly generated locations across heterogeneous landscapes. Due to the potential veterinary significance of this species, these studies were conducted in areas under use for livestock grazing. The distance effect of the transition zone was also measured and found to have significant effects on the sex ratios of the flies. As an additional tool to pinpoint future sampling locations, the results were correlated with observed mosquito species compositions of the respective habitats.