Publication Type
Journal Article
Journal Name
Scientific Reports
Publication Date
12-1-2024
Abstract
Stomoxys flies exhibit an attraction toward objects that offer no rewards, such as traps and targets devoid of blood or nectar incentives. This behavior provides an opportunity to develop effective tools for vector control and monitoring. However, for these systems to be sustainable and eco-friendly, the visual cues used must be specific to target vector(s). In this study, we modified the existing blue Vavoua trap, which was originally designed to attract biting flies, to create a deceptive host attraction system specifically biased toward attracting Stomoxys. Our research revealed that Stomoxys flies are attracted to various colors, with red proving to be the most attractive and selective color for Stomoxys compared to the other colors tested. Interestingly, our investigation of the cattle–Stomoxys interaction demonstrated that Stomoxys flies do not prefer a specific livestock fur color phenotype, despite variation in the spectrum. To create a realistic sensory impression of the trap in the Stomoxys nervous system, we incorporated olfactory cues from livestock host odors that significantly increased trap catches. The optimized novel polymer bead dispenser is capable of effectively releasing the attractive odor carvone + p-cresol, with strong plume strands and longevity. Overall, red trap baited with polymer bead dispenser is environmentally preferred.
Keywords
Dispenser, Livestock, Olfaction, Polymer, Stomoxys, Synergy, Trap, Vision
PubMed ID
39085483
Recommended Citation
Getahun, M., Baleba, S., Ngiela, J., Ahuya, P., & Masiga, D. (2024). Multimodal interactions in Stomoxys navigation reveal synergy between olfaction and vision. Scientific Reports, 14 (1) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68726-8
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.