Vale, Glyn A., Hargrove, John W., Solano, Philippe, Courtin, Fabrice, Rayaisse, Jean-Baptiste, Lehane, M. J., Esterhuizen, Johan, Tirados, Inaki and Torr, Stephen J. (2014) Explaining the host-finding behavior of blood-sucking insects : computerized simulation of the effects of habitat geometry on tsetse fly movement. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Volume 8 (Number 6). Article number e2901. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0002901 ISSN 1935-2727.

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Abstract

Background

Male and female tsetse flies feed exclusively on vertebrate blood. While doing so they can transmit the diseases of sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in domestic stock. Knowledge of the host-orientated behavior of tsetse is important in designing bait methods of sampling and controlling the flies, and in understanding the epidemiology of the diseases. For this we must explain several puzzling distinctions in the behavior of the different sexes and species of tsetse. For example, why is it that the species occupying savannahs, unlike those of riverine habitats, appear strongly responsive to odor, rely mainly on large hosts, are repelled by humans, and are often shy of alighting on baits?

Methodology/Principal Findings

A deterministic model that simulated fly mobility and host-finding success suggested that the behavioral distinctions between riverine, savannah and forest tsetse are due largely to habitat size and shape, and the extent to which dense bushes limit occupiable space within the habitats. These factors seemed effective primarily because they affect the daily displacement of tsetse, reducing it by up to ~70%. Sex differences in behavior are explicable by females being larger and more mobile than males.

Conclusion/Significance

Habitat geometry and fly size provide a framework that can unify much of the behavior of all sexes and species of tsetse everywhere. The general expectation is that relatively immobile insects in restricted habitats tend to be less responsive to host odors and more catholic in their diet. This has profound implications for the optimization of bait technology for tsetse, mosquitoes, black flies and tabanids, and for the epidemiology of the diseases they transmit.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QK Botany R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences > Population, Evidence & Technologies (PET)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Bloodsucking insects -- Computer simulation, Tsetse-flies -- Computer simulation
Journal or Publication Title:	PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Publisher:	Public Library of Science
ISSN:	1935-2727
Official Date:	12 June 2014
Dates:	Date Event 12 June 2014 Published
Volume:	Volume 8
Number:	Number 6
Article Number:	Article number e2901
DOI:	10.1371/journal.pntd.0002901
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access (Creative Commons)
Date of first compliant deposit:	27 December 2015
Date of first compliant Open Access:	27 December 2015
Funder:	Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Grant number:	1017770 (BMGF)

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