Synanthropic Indices and Baits Preferences of Common Non-biting Flies (Diptera: Cyclorrhapha) of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Non-biting surveys in urban, rural and forested areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigera, using rotten meat, fish, fruits and human faeces, for collection yielded 4290 and 2474 flies from 9 families in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Synanthropic Indices (SI) of 15 species were calculated for the wet season, of which 10 species were positively synanthropic and five negatively synanthropoc to human settlements. In the dry season, the SI of all the 9 species computed were positive for human settlements. Significant bait preferences were shown only in the wet season by Chrysomya albiceps (F=10.2⁺⁺⁺; P<0.05) for rotten meat and Poecilosomella angulata (F+9.6+++; P<0.05) for human faeces.