Species composition of and detection of haemoparasites in horse-flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in south-eastern Kruger National Park

Abstract

Tabanidae, commonly known as horse-flies, is a large family of important pollinators, generally believed to be among the most important brachycerans (Diptera: Brachycera). In addition to their importance in the ecosystem, the females are haematophagous and vectors of pathogens. Despite their importance, the family has been severely neglected by science. The current study was aimed at determining the species composition of tabanids in the south eastern corner of Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Using three different traps, tabanids were sampled in four habitats in south-eastern KNP. Three different traps totalling to 12 traps were used for the sampling. Manitoba trap captured an average of 1.7 flies/trap/day, Ngu-trap 0.7 flies/trap/day and H-trap 2.4 flies/trap/day. A total of 273 flies were captured with the H trap as the most effective. A total of 13 species belonging to the five genera Haematopota, Tabanus, Philoliche, Chrysops and Atylotus were sampled. A dominant tabanid species, Tabanus minuscularius, accounted for 55% (154/273) of the total flies sampled. A total of 60 COI sequences from 12 identified species and two unidentified species were generated and phylogenetically analysed. COI performed adequately as a species-specific identifier. DNA extracted from selected tabanids specimens tested positive for Trypanosoma theileri at 0.02%. No detection of Anaplasma marginale, A. centrale or Babesia bigemina was observed in tested flies. Further research is required to determine the role of tabanids in pathogen transmission in KNP and elsewhere in South Africa.