Seasonal Differences in the Abundance of Tsetse Flies (Glossina Species) in Pantaki, Kaduna State

Abstract

Seasonal differences in the abundance of tsetse flies in Pantaki was investigated between July and August, 2016 and January and February, 2017 in Kagarko. Standard bioconical trapping method was used to collect the insects. A total of 208 tsetse flies were caught of which 139 (66.8%) were Glossina palpalis palpalis while 69 (33.2%) were Glossina tachinoides revealing an overall apparent density of 3.7T/T/D. The results indicate a significant difference (p<0.05) in abundance of tsetse flies in the wet compared to the dry seasons. Also, both species were relatively more abundant during wet (G. palpalis palpalis 75.5%, G. tachinoides 84.1%) than dry (G. palpalis palpalis 24%, G. tachinoides 15.9%) seasons. The differences in abundance observed could be due to the favourable climatic condition. This call for deployment of tsetse fly control measures (during the wet season) in the area.