PHLEBOTOMINE SANDFLIES ASSOCIATED WITH A FOCUS OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN VALLE DEL CAUCA, COLOMBIA

A survey was made of the phlebotomine sandfly fauna of La Guaira, a vi llage with coffee plantations near Call, Colombia, from which cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis had been reported due to Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis and Le. (V.) braziliensis. Among six species of s andfly collected on human bait, Lutzomyia youngi was most important in terms of biting nuisance. Lu.columbiana, Lu.lichyi and Lu.scorzai as well as Lu.youngi adults occurred throughout the year. Sandfly man-bit ing activity occurred throughout the night and was highest within 2h o f sunset. Despite its abundance in nocturnal samples, Lu.youngi was ra rely taken in diurnal resting site collections. In contrast, Lu.lichyi was collected on tree-trunks during the day in large numbers and was the only species biting in daylight. The implications of these and oth er findings for leishmaniasis control measures in La Guaira are consid ered.