Identificação da tabanofauna de eqüinos em propriedades do município de Laranjeiras do Sul, Paraná

Abstract

Tabanids are insects commonly known as "mutucas" or "butucas." Only the female feeds on blood, causing great discomfort to the host. Additionally, they can mechanically transmit disease-causing agents such as trypanosomes, which have significant economic impacts on livestock breeders. This study aims to identify tabanid species and their blood-feeding preferences. The Southern region of Brazil lacks research in this area. Livestock breeders still use horses as a means of transportation and even for regional events. Tabanids act as vectors for various pathogens that cause diseases in horses. Therefore, identifying the tabanid fauna is crucial in facilitating the diagnosis of these illnesses. Three properties in the municipality of Laranjeiras do Sul, Paraná, were selected for this study. Together, these three properties have a total of 60 equine animals. A total of 14 species from 8 genera of tabanids were collected and identified in the region. The most prevalent species was Tabanus nebulosus with 78 individuals, followed by Fidena spp. with 67 individuals.