Attraction range of the Onderstepoort 220 V light trap for Culicoides biting midges as determined under South African field conditions

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.