Abstract
The project focuses on the inventory and analysis of the biodiversity in two groups of dipteral bloodsucking insects reputed as dreadful vectors of human and animal disease agents. These are sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) and mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae). The sand flies have the characteristic of being a remarkable study model for the biogeography. Molecular studies will be conducted on the sand flies. We will favour comparisons that will enable an analysis of the impact of human activities (between protected and non-protected species) on the presence and the biodiversity of sand flies and mosquitoes. The major assessment method of sand flies will be the illuminated trap of type CDC that targets both male and female adults. The major assessment method of mosquitoes in the Seychelles will be the collect of aquatic larva as well as the Malaysian trap. Biologic material will be conditioned immediately following the collect in order to permit a joint morphologic and molecular study. The areas in question are: Madagascar (Bemaraha, the region of Antsiranana, Masoala), and the Union of the Comoro Islands (Grande Comoro and Anjouan) for sand flies, the Seychelles (Mahé, Silhouette, Assomption, Aldabra) for sand flies and mosquitoes. This choice is based on our own knowledge of sand flies in the southwest of the Indian Ocean, and on the relatively good knowledge of mosquitoes in this zone, except for the Seychelles where the last detailed studies of this kind date from the early 70’s.
France