BITING MIDGES (DIPTERA: CERATOPOGONIDAE) AS INTERMEDIATE HOSTS FOR HAEMOPROTEUS OF DUCKS

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Abstract
Haemoproteus nettionis was transmitted to domestic ducks in late June and in July in 1954, 1955, and 1956. This coincided with the abundance of Simulium rugglesi and biting midges (Ceratopogonidae). Transmission of H. nettionis occurs during the night, at which time certain biting midges, which appear to be ornithophilic, feed on the ducks. It was shown experimentally that these midges (Culicoides sp.) are suitable intermediate hosts for H. nettionis. Oökinetes and structures identified as oöcysts and sporozoites were found in specimens of midges that were sectioned. H. nettionis was seen in the peripheral blood of ducks 14–21 days after they were infected. The gametocytes require 4 to 6 days to reach maturity.