Prevalence and Seasonal Distribution of Daytime Biting Diptera in Rhoko Forest in Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria

Most rainforest areas in West and Central Africa are endemic to various biting haematophagous insects that transmit pathogens to man and animals. Field surveys were conducted during the raining and dry seasons of 2006 to investigate the prevalence, seasonal distribution and intensity of biting flies in Rhoko forest, Iko Esai, Akamkpa local government area, in Cross River State, Nigeria. The rain forest was divided into four locations based on human activity and geographical sub-locations. Data obtained showed the mean prevalence of four genera of biting flies namely; Simulium spp. (77%), Chrysops spp. (16%), Glossina spp. (5%) and Tabanus spp. (2%), respectively. A greater number of the flies were caught in locations where human activity was greatest. The result also showed that the mean number of flies caught during the wet season was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the dry season while the peak period of fly activity was between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm. Present results suggest that visitors should be informed about the entomological data of Rhoko forest as a management strategy between the vectors and potential hosts.