The swarming activity of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) species in Bidar, Karnataka

A total of 38 Culicoides midge swarms were collected using insect sweep net during the period from August, 2004 to July, 2005. The species composition and parity status of female midges has been identified. In all the catches from the swarms, only one species belonging to either C. oxystoma or C. imicola were found. Among the swarms collected, swarms of C. oxystoma were 71.05 per cent and that of C. imicola was 28.95 per cent indicated the higher activity of C. oxystoma. The higher activity of the swarms was found near the livestock sheds. The approximate size, shape and flight of the swarms have been discussed. Among the 08 C. imicola females collected from the swarms, 4 were found to be nulliparous and two flies each were found to be parous and gravid. Among the 17 female C. oxystoma midges collected from all the swarms, nulliparous females were found in higher abundance followed by gravid midges. Since there is continuous availability of C. imicola and C. oxystoma swarms indicates the continuous activity of these midges. These swarms can be used as markers of Culicoides activity in this location. However continuous monitoring of swarms at different geo-climatic conditions may yield detailed information on activity of several species of Culicoides.