A preliminary investigation on Phlebotomus longicusps Nitzulescu, 1930 (Diptera: Psychodidae), the suspected vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the northeastern region of Libya

This study was carried out in two endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis (Batta and Mirrad Massoud) which are located on the plateau of Al-Jabel Akhdar, Libya. Sandflies were collected using sticky traps over a period of eight months from April till November 2008. A total number of 1584 sandflies were collected consisting Phlebotomus longicuspis (1552= 97.98%) and Sergentomyia spp (32= 2.02%). The seasonal abundance of P. longicuspis showed one peak in August and it was the only Phlebotomus spp found in these areas. This enhances the evidence of its role as the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis in these foci. Further detailed studies are indicated to investigate the bionomics of this species in relation to visceral leishmaniasis transmission in the region.