NOTES ON THE HABITS OF BLOOD-SUCKING FLIES 
OBSERVED IN DOWA DISTRICT, NYASALAND. 
By Dr. MEREDITH SANDERSON, 
Medical Officer, Nyasaland Protectorate. 
Hematopota vittata, Loew. 
This species is not common. It is found mostly in native gardens or in gardens 
now fallow, preferring maize or long grass. It difters 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. //. 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. 
Hematopota 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. specially 
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. 
Hematopota 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 meving its legs on 
settling, like an animal eager for its food. Not easy to catch. 
No species of Hematopota has been found to bite in early morning or 
after sunset. 
Tabanus diteniatus, Macq. 
Always found in sunlight on the Lake-shore (sandy) or in sandy river-beds, 
especially of small streams. 
Tabanus uniteniatus, Ric. 
Habits similar to those of the preceding species. Both these insects enter and 
temain in houses. The males are common. 
Tabanus teniola, 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 
