Mating behaviour of Simulium erythrocephalum (De Geer, 1776) (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Zaragoza (Spain)

Abstract

Simulium erythrocephalum (De Geer, 1776) is a highly anthropophilic species that is responsible for blackfly outbreaks in Spain. Thus, field observations of the mating behaviour, including swarm formation, recognition and chasing, copulation, termination of copulation and post-copulation behaviour of S. erythrocephalum were conducted in a natural habitat in Spain. The obtained results demonstrated that mating activity occurs during the evening hours. We observed the human host represents an attractive orientation marker of male swarms, whose formation is related to the hostseeking activity period of females. This study represents the first report about the mating behaviour of Simuliidae species in Spain, increasing the general knowledge about this behaviour of blackflies.