Observations on the behaviour of tsetse flies (Glossina morsitans orientalis Vanderplank and G. pallidipes Austen) during an attempt to concentrate breeding around cattle.
Abstract
Investigations into the possible eradication of tsetse flies by the release of sterile males included the breeding of tsetse flies under field conditions. This paper presents the results of an attempt to concentrate breeding of a natural fly population, based on the assumption that G. morsitans and G. pallidipes would aggregate around cattle permanently held in the bush. Trials involving a grid of 11 tethered oxen, and a 5-acre paddock containing a herd of 15 animals, showed that a permanent food supply neither concentrated tsetse flies nor influenced seasonal fluctuations in numbers MGG.