IDENTIFICATION OF BLOOD MEALS OF PHLEBOTOMUS-PERNICIOSUS (DIPTERA, PSYCHODIDAE) IN SPAIN BY A COMPETITIVE ENZYME-LINKED-IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAYBIOTIN-AVIDIN METHOD

Blood meals from phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead, collected in four d ifferent Paces in Spain, were identified to determine host-selection p atterns. Blood meals were tested using a competitive enzyme-linked imm unosorbent assay (ELISA) biotin-avidin method. Results indicate that t his species is an opportunist that feeds on those animals to which it has easiest access. However, some preferences were indicated, because the insect never fed on chickens and frequently fed on sheep at sites where both sheep and goats were present. At some sites, the number of sand flies feeding on dogs was higher than expected, based on the prop ortion of dogs to man. Nevertheless, differences in host behavior, dis persal of engorged sand flies, and their exo- or endophilic habits mak e it difficult to assign specific host preferences.