Sampling methods for phlebotomine sandflies

A review is presented of methods for sampling phlebotomine sandflies (Dipte ra: Psychodidae). Among similar to 500 species of Phlebotominae so far desc ribed, mostly in the New World genus Lutzomyia and the Old World genus Phle botomus, about 10% are known vectors of Leishmania parasites or other patho gens. Despite being small and fragile, sandflies have a wide geographical r ange with species occupying a considerable diversity of ecotopes and habita ts, from deserts to humid forests, so that suitable methods for collecting them are influenced by environmental conditions where they are sought. Beca use immature phlebotomines occupy obscure terrestrial habitats, it is diffi cult to find their breeding sites. Therefore, most trapping methods and sam pling procedures focus on sandfly adults, whether resting or active. The di urnal resting sites of adult sandflies include tree holes, buttress roots, rock crevices, houses, animal shelters and burrows, from which they may be aspirated directly or trapped after being disturbed. Sandflies can be colle cted during their periods of activity by interception traps, or by using at tractants such as bait animals, CO2 or light. The method of trapping used s hould: (a) be suited to the habitat and area to be surveyed, (b) take into account the segment of the sandfly population to be sampled (species, sex a nd reproduction condition) and (c) yield specimens of appropriate condition for the study objectives (e.g. identification of species present, populati on genetics or vector implication). Methods for preservation and transporta tion of sandflies to the laboratory also depend on the objectives of a part icular study and are described accordingly.