Semiochemical mediated oviposition and mating in Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae) sand flies

Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae) is an important vector responsible for the transmission of Leishmania donovani that causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar, in the sub-continent of India. The aims of this study were to investigate the semiochemicals that mediate oviposition and mating behaviour and also the courtship behaviours in P. argentipes. The result of ovipositional behaviour bioassays shows gravid P. argentipes females preferred to oviposit their eggs in the present of conspecific eggs and also eggs extract. This suggests the presence of an oviposition pheromone on the surface of the eggs which can be removed by washing with an organic solvent and transferred to an alternative surface. A Y-tube olfactometer was used to test an upwind\ud anemotactic response of virgin females to male headspace volatiles and male extract, in the presence or absence of host odour. The results strongly suggest that a volatile maleproduced sex pheromone is present in P. argentipes. The results also suggest that under certain circumstances of the age of males and females and the presence of host odour, the females are attracted to live male and male extract of P. argentipes. Thus, presence of host odour might have a synergistic effect on the male-produced sex pheromone. Quantitative description and detailed of courtship behaviour(s) in both males and females of P. argentipes were observed. The results show that male behaviours during courtship are vital for the success of the mating. These predictor behaviours include approach wingflapping, abdomen bending and copulation attempt by male P. argentipes. Understanding of the biology, ecology and chemical mediated behaviour in P. argentipes will enhance and widen the knowledge leading to the improved of the efficiency and efficacy of the current sand fly control programmes