Uma revisão integrativa sobre a biologia e o controle de borrachudos (Diptera, Simuliidae)

Abstract

Simuliidae, which are insects of the Simuliidae family popularly known as black flies in southern Brazil, belong to the Diptera Order and suborder Nematocera. The taxonomic revision since year presents a total of 2072 species listed as valid worldwide, of these 2060 live and 12 fossils, among which 492 belong to the genus Simulium. Squeegees measure approximately 1 to 3 mm, have a robust body shape, a pair of large wings, head, thorax, abdomen and dark collation. The suckers are holometabolic (complete metamorphosis). The immature forms (larvae and pupae) develop in lotic aquatic environments, and in the adult phase occupy the terrestrial spaces. They lay their eggs on substrates submerged in water. They feed on nectar. Females have hematophagous habits, and attack warm-blooded animals. Several species of Simuliidae have sanitary importance, as they can act as vectors of diseases such as onchocerciasis and mansonellosis, among others. Imbalances in the aquatic environment can alter the distribution patterns of hematophagous insects and favor the proliferation of certain species, and may lead to the undesirable infestations of adult forms of species of sanitary importance. Extensive agricultural use and occupation of watersheds, with larvicidal and fungicide application on a large scale, increased production of poultry, pigs and cattle, lack of sanitation in homes, deforestation and interventions in riparian forests near courses of d ' water, are some of the precursors that have generated a large amount of organic matter in surface waters, resulting in the alteration of biodiversity. The present work has as main objective to integrate data of the biology of the black flies and to present information about the main methods of control, based on the existing literature. Over the last decades the continued application of chemical insecticides DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) and BHC (Hexachlorobenzene), linked to other factors such as repeated and uncontrolled use of the same ingredients, led to the development of selective processes and hence a resilience. In several places in the world the application of these chemicals were no longer responding as expected to the population control of these insects, thus arising the need for new techniques to control flies. Currently the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, Bti is being preferentially used in biological control programs and also acts as the basis of several products used to control other mosquitoes. The control with biological agents usually presents greater efficiency by reaching exclusively the group of insects target. The application of products based on Bti is carried out directly in the water of the streams, they act in the larval phase and have been effective in several regions in which they were used. By acting only on the immature forms of the simids and not leaving residues in the water, this product is favorable to environmental preservation. The best method of controlling gushes and other insects is people's awareness, which can help maintain the integrity of the environment resulting in the biological balance and quality of life of people.