A COMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNT OF SPECIES COMPOSITION, DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGY OF PHLEBOTOMINE SANDFLIES IN JORDAN

Extensive sampling of 18 localities representing the distinct ecologic al zones of Jordon was carried out during the sandfly seasons of 1986 to 1988. This resulted in he collection of 21 sandfly species, 8 of wh ich are reported for the first time from Jordan. The newly reported sp ecies include Phlebotomus jacusieli, P. tobbi, P. perfiliewi galilaeus , P. mascitti, P. arabicus, P. halepensis, Sergentomyia palestiniensis and S. taizi. The distribution, relative abundance in domestic and ru ral sites for all species and the epidemiological significance of Phle botomus species as vectors of leishmaniases are discussed.