A taxonomic description on three new records of genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from the Sub-Himalayan foothills of West Bengal

Abstract :

The study describes three new records of species of genus Culicoides from Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri districts located in the Sub Himalayan Terai zone of West Bengal. They are small in size, popularly known as ‘biting midges’ mostly found in moist tropical regions of the world. Culicoides midges are vectors of harmful microorganisms feeding on blood of livestock animals and spreading diseases. Very few instances of cattle diseases are reported from West Bengal, that too from the southern region of the State. Animal rearing and dairy farming are important sources of livelihood for villagers at high altitude. This manuscript is a brief taxonomic account of Culicoides midges from the Terai region of West Bengal abetting in species documentation and identification. This study is of value in helping to recognize disease occurrence vectored by biting midges, spread awareness and develop safety measures on cattle management in various high altitude regions of West Bengal and India


Keyword :

Culicoides, Terai zone, West Bengal, Vector


Author(s) : Mukhopadhyay, E., Hazra, S., Parui, P., Banerjee, D.
Downloads : 592
Published Issue : 2018 Vol. 13 Number 2


2018 Vol. 13 Number 2