Distribution of Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale & Brunetti, 1908 in the Anuradhapura district, North Central Sri Lanka

A study on the distribution of Phlebotomus argentipes in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, revealed that its abundance is strongly influenced by temperature and humidity. The sandfly, a potential vector for cutaneous leishmaniasis, thrives at mean temperatures of 24.7–27.3°C and high humidity levels (72–88%). Key microhabitats included shrubs, uncultivated areas, gardening zones, wet soil with leaf litter, and termite hills. Using CDC light traps and yellow sticky traps over 12 months, researchers analyzed environmental factors to predict temporal variations in vector populations. Regression analysis showed significant correlations (P = 0.00), with temperature explaining 68% of abundance variability and humidity 91.6%. These findings could inform targeted vector management strategies by leveraging ecological behavior patterns.

Nayakarathna, N., Gunathilaka, R., & Ganehiarachchi, G. (2023). Distribution of Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale & Brunetti, 1908 in the Anuradhapura district, North Central Sri Lanka. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 60(4), 427–431. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-9062.383638