Caloric determinations of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Adults of Lutzomyia longipalpis and Phlebotomus papatasi were analyzed to quantify available energy reserves and to determine the prevalence of fructose-positive specimens. In both species, males and females with access to fructose or sucrose solutions in the laboratory had more energy reserves available (x super(-) less than or equal to 1.3 cal per insect) than individuals provided with a glucose solution (x super(-) less than or equal to 0.55 cal per insect). Although anthrone tests detected fructose or sucrose in 23.5% of 34 blood-seeking L. longipalpis collected in Colombia and 24% of 50 adults of P. papatasi from Iran, minimal amounts of energy reserves (x super(-) less than or equal to 0.55 cal per insect) were present.