Vol. 7, Issue 8, Part B (2025)

The relative abundance and biting patterns of chrysop (Diptera: Tabanidee) were conducted in the communities of Okigwe, between January and December 2023. A better understanding of the vector distribution and transmission dynamics at a local scale is essential for implementing and evaluating vector control strategies. Capture nets specifically designed by a trained volunteer entomological scout to capture insects on flight monthly. Adult flies were also collected for one monthly using human bait and insect net. A total of 1432 flies were captured to estimate the seasonal relative abundance. More flies were caught dry the wet season accounting for 472 (33%) than the dry season 960 (67.0%). The lowest monthly fly abundance was recorded mostly in the dry season in January, February, November and December. There was a significant variation (p<0.05) in the seasonal punctual and peripheral pattern of distribution. The result showed that 495biting flies were captured by 2 fly collectors, daily biting cycle showed a peak during the late morning and early afternoon of the rainy season, which is between 10am and 4pm. The study has established the abundance existence, as well as the biting activities of chrysops in the Okigwe region. The public health implications of the existence and biting activity of the tabanids are obvious. Constant global climate change may lead to outbreaks of some neglected diseases such as loiasis. A timely intervention approach by government and health care providers in the region will be of immense benefit saving the vulnerable population from possible infections and disease outbreaks.