-90- 



They added that scars left by mites may be harmful to the host and 

 further suggested that identification of the mites and a knowledge of 

 their habitat or mammalian host preference may provide information 

 about the life cycles of the sand flies, which are difficult to study 

 owing to their small size and nocturnal habits. The absence of these 

 phoretic mites on sand flies collected in September 1983 may reflect a 

 seasonal change in the population density or behavior of the mite, 

 perhaps in response to cooler weather. It may also relate to a 

 seasonal change in resting behavior of the sand fly, such as a move 

 from where the mites are present to where they are not. 



Other . Fungal and bacterial infections in wild-caught sand flies 

 were reported by several authors (Young and Lewis, 1977, 1980). The 

 significance of infections by these organisms is uncertain. Many may 

 have resulted in premature death of the fly. Some infections may have 

 been acquired as a result of retention in holding vials and chambers 

 provided with apple slices and Karo® syrup. 



