Abstract:
Despite some limitations suction lighttraps are the primary tools used for the collection of Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). The range of attraction of the Onderstepoortlighttrap is not known but an insight into the range of a trap will determine where the trap must be positioned relative to the hosts present, possible breeding sites and environmental structures in the trapping vicinity. It will therefore contribute to a more meaningful interpretation and comparison of results between trapping events. In the present study the number of Culicoidesmidges collected in a single trap was compared to those of traps made with an additional trap respectively 1 m, 4 m and 8.5 m away from the first. Treatments between sites were rotated in three replicates of a 4 × 4 Latin square design. While interactions were found in traps 4 m apart no statistically significant interactions were found when they were 8.5 m apart. The range of attraction, indicated by the interaction between two traps, will be between 2 m and 4 m. In interpreting lighttrap results the limitations of this collection method needs to be taken into consideration.
