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NOTES ON THE HABlTS OF BLOOD-SUCKING FLIES 

 OBSERVED IN DOWA DISTRICT, NYASALAND. 



By Dr. Meredith Sanderson, 

 Medical Officer, Nyusuland Protectorate. 



HaBmatopota vittata, Loe-w. 



This species is not common. It is found mostly in native gardens or in gardens 

 now fallow, preferring maize or long grass. It differs from other species in that 

 it does not bite quickly, but " settles " itself first, as though to get a comfortable 

 position for the legs, etc. ; also in that it bites with its wings extended. H. vittata 

 is very quick on the wing and is difficult to capture. It seems more prevalent on 

 dull days, and was not found till the rains had well set in and the herbage was 

 some feet high. 



Hasmatopota pertinens, Aust. 



Found mostly on stony ground and small hills. It occurs occasionally in houses 

 and in villages, but seems to prefer uncultivated, barren ground. Especially 

 prevalent on dull showery days, but was found during the period immediately 

 antecedent to the rains. Easy to catch with the hand. Bites immediately on 

 settling, and causes considerable annoyance by mere numbers. 



Haematopota mactans, Aust. 



Found mostly in association with large trees and grass. It has a noticeable 

 habit of moving the abdomen rapidly when biting, and of moving its legs on 

 settling, like an animal eager for its food. Not easy to catch. 



No species of Hcsmatopota has been found to bite in early morning or 

 after sunset. 



Tabanus ditaaniatus, Macq. 



Always found in sunlight on the Lake-shore (sandy) or in sandy river-beds, 

 especially of small streams. 



Tabanus unitasniatus, Ric. 



Habits similar to those of the preceding species. Both these insects enter and 

 remain in houses. The males are common, 



Tabanus taeniola, P. de B. var. variatus, Walk. 



This species is noisy on the wing and advertises its presence by flying about and 

 "banging" itself against some object in settling. Found on the Lake-shore, and for 

 some distance on the Lake itself, having been caught over a mile from the shore, in a 

 Canoe. Inland, it is most prevalent on the foot-hills, near small streams. Here 



