Light-trap catches of Tabanidae

Scope and Content

Catch records titled East African Research Institute catch record. Data recorded subject headings include: Station; Date; Catch number; Species; Time started; Level; Bait or trap; Bait or trap hours; Period / Catch number; Day / Night; Totals.

Results tables titled East African virus research institute: Vertical distribution record for diptera. Subject headings include: Station; Number; Time limits; Date; Bait or trap hours; Bait or trap; Type of catch; Weather.

The records describe 70 light trap catches using mercury vapour light to gain information about the nocturnal activity in Tabanidae.

Catch Series VM/18-VM/37/A at Nakiwogo, Entebbe, Uganda, Jul-Aug 1958 (pp 1-23). The trap used a horizontal cover to prevent light being thrown directly upward. It was situated one metre above ground in the Research Institute's wooded garden. The catches ran from one hour before sunset till one hour after sunrise. With the exception of VM/19 which ran as a control for 24 hours. The last three nights of this Catch Series, a second trap containing a black light (UV-A light) was introduced. The same species came to both traps, though the total yield was smaller from the black light trap.

Catch Series NA1-47 at Nakiwogo, Entebbe, Uganda, Nov 1961-Nov 1962 (pp 1, 24-49). The main object was to study flight patterns and seasonal distribution. The catches were made weekly. Moonlight and changing environmental conditions upset the monthly mean. Nightly catches were made necessary for proper appraisal of seasonal incidence.

Catch Series ZA244-291 at Zika forest, Entebbe, Uganda, Oct 1962-1963 (50-87). 20 simultaneous catches are described as being made from the tower on ground level, and platforms of a 60 and 120 foot height. The objective was to compare the nocturnal behaviour of Tabanidae in open grassland near forest.