L. H. Dunn.
Entomological Investigations in the Chiriqui Region of Panama.
Psyche 41:166-183, 1934.

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166 Psyche [September
ENTOMOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN THE
CHIRIQUI REGION OF PANAMA
Medical Entomologist and Assistant Director, Gorgas Memorial Laboratory "
Panama, R. de P.
The notes presented in this paper are based largely upon observations made and specimens collected during a visit to the Province of Chiriqui, in the south-western corner of the Republic of Panama, in July, 1929. This expedition was organized by Dr. H. C. Clark, Director of the Gorgas Mlem- orial Laboratory and included also Dr. G. B. Wislocki and Dr. A. H. Schultz, from the Johns Hopkins University, and the writer. The purposes of this visit included medical, embryological, anthropological and entomological studies on the wild monkeys of that region. This report deals with the entomological results. The writer took advantage of the opportunity offered to secure and examine a number of birds and other animals in addition to the monkeys in ordter to gain some general knowledge of the ectoparasites of the wild animal life of the areas visited. Specimens of the pre- valent blood-sucking diptera were collected whenever pos- sible and a few observations on the mosquito breeding oc- curring in the vicinity of our camp were also carried out. These investigations were conducted at Camp Pital and Puerto Armuelles and covered the period from July 11 to July 29, 1929, sixteen days at the camp and three days at the port.
Dr. Clark made two later visits to Chiriqui, in February, 1930 and August, 1931. On his 1930 trip he spent several days
(in camp) at La Vaca, in a more virgin part of the same general area as Camp Pital. In 1931, he made a brief visit to the large banana plantations of the Chiriqui Land Company at Puerto Armuelles and Progreso. The latter station is situated a few miles inland from the coast, on the



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19 3 4 I Entomological Investigations in Panama 167 Puerto Armuelles-David Railway. Mr. W. H. W. Komp, of the V. S. Public Health Service, accompanied Dr. dark on his 1930 trip and Dr. Theodore Trimble, of the Rochester University, Rochester, N. Y., was his companion in 1931. On both these occasions a number of ectoparasites were ob- tained from the various animals 'examined as well as of the blood-sucking diptera most commonly encountered. Since the specimens obtained during the three expedi- tions to Chiriqui represent many of the common species of insects and other arthropods affecting man and animals in that region, they are listed with annotations in the following pages.
Camp Pita1 was located in the humid lower tropical zone of the fairly level coastal plain of the south-western part of Chiriqui. It was very close to thae Costa Rican border, prob- ably not more than eight miles by direct line from the Pacific coast. Here a square area of about twenty acres had been cleared for banana culture. All trees had been felled, larger ones bleing left to rot and banana sets had been planted in the open spaces between the logs. The area sur- rounding this clearing was heavily forested, with trees of large size and an undergrowth of luxuriant vegetation. The pita plant, Ananas magdalense, was abundant in this local- ity and it was from this plant that the name of the camp was derived. The undergrowth was not of sufficient density to necessitat'e the use of a machete when walking in the forest, and since there were several narrow trails leading in different directions, a considerable freedom of movement was possible in the forest nearby.
The animal and bird life in this region was abundant and varied and the easy passage in the forest made good hunt- ing conditions. It was also a nearly ideal location for col- lecting blood-sucking diptera, since the abrupt change from the deep shade of the forest to the open sunlight of the clearing provided conditions favorable for both shade and sun loving species.
Two native hunters and one of the members of our party were usually out after specimens of animals and birds dur- ing the early part of each day. A number of muslin bags



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168 Psyche
[ September
of various sizes were carried by the hunters and each animal or bird shot was immediately placed in one of the bags which was then closed and tied with twine. At the camp each bag was carefully opened on a large piece of Canton flannel spread out on an improvised table. The bag was slowly turned back until the animal was left lying in the center of the flannel. Any ectoparasites pres- ent were usually collected first from the animal and then from the bag, if any adhered to the inner side of it. A comb was sometimes used in examining animals with long hair. With birds it was found advisable to pluck out most of the feathers. Some of the birds were infested with par- asitic flies that were quite active and difficult to capture. When such birds were brought in, they were placed, while still in the bags, in a wooden box and sprinkled with chloro- form. The vapor of this penetrated the bags and stupefied or killed all the flies that were on the birds, which were then easily collected. The nap of the Canton flannel on which the 'examinations were made impeded any of the fleas, lice, etc., that attempted to hop or walk on it and facilitated their capture.
Engorged ticks in larval or nymphal forms were placed in pill boxes or glass tubes in order that they might develop to later stages. Dipterous larvae producing Myiasis were re- moved from animals and, if nearly mature, placed in wide mouth bottles containing about an inch of damp earth to allow them to pupate and emerge as adults. Since the study of monkeys was the principal purpose of our expedition to Chiriqui, a few words about the examina- tion of these animals are appropriate. A total of 107 mon- keys killed or captured at Camp Pita1 were examined for ectoparasites. This included 53 Orsted's titi monkeys, Saimiri orstedii orstedii; 29 Panama white-throated mon- keys, Cebm capucinus imitator, and 25 Geoffroy's spider monkeys, Ateles geoffroyi. Although the examination of these monkeys occupied a considerable part of my time while at the camp, they were not productive of ectopara- sites.
One female tick was found walking about on a freshly



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9 4 I Entomological Investigations in Panama 169 killed titi monkey, but since it was not attached and con- tained no blood it was not credited with being a parasite of the animal.
The howling monkeys, Alomtta palliata inconsonans, at Puerto Armuelles were found to suffer from Myiasis due to dipterous larvse but no howlers were taken during our stay at the camp and no myiasis was noted in any of thie monkeys examined there.
No lice-infested monkeys were found.
The freedom of
these monkeys from ectoparasites causes me to wonder if the species examined at the camp are habitually free from infestation of parasitic arthropods in this region or if it may have been due to the climate conditions prevailing at the time.
A very large number of blood-sucking and parasitic dip- tera were collected, various genera in several familides being represented.
It was somewhat surprising to find that comparatively few adult mosquitoes were in evidence at the camp. There were a number of streams and pools exposed to sunlight in the cleared area, while in the surrounding forest there were numerous streams, pools and small swamps in dense shade. Thus the conditions in the immediate vicinity of the camp were suitable for mosquito larvae that preferred either sun- light or shaded environments. There were also many na- tural depressions present in the large tree trunks lying about the clearing which contained varying amounts of water adapted to certain species. The so-called tin can in- vasion had preceded us at this camp and a considerable num- ber of tin cans that had previously contained fruits or vege- tables had been thrown in a pile near the camp by former occupants. In some of these cans a small amount of the contents had been left and as the cans filled with water from rains this vegetable matter, and also leaves that had fallen into the cans from nearby trees, became decomposed and caused the water to become very foul. Mosquito larvae were found in a number of these cans. Enamelware soup bowls were used for breeding out the larvae investigated. It is to be regretted that the opportunity did not permit a more



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170 Psyche [September
extensive study of the mosquitoes breeding in this region, since in my opinion such observations would very probably be repaid by finding many interesting species. Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann. From one to four adults of this species were collected each morning on the in- side of the wall netting and cloth ceiling of the camp. They probably gained entry through numerous small holes and rips in the netting. Cursory examinations of several of the nearby pools and streams were made but no larvae of this or other species of Anopheles were found. Anopheles punctimacula Dyar and Knab. Two females of this species were captured on the ceiling inside the camp. Culex bomqz Dyar and Knab.
Adults of this species
were bred from the larvae present in considerable numbers in a ground pool (in which the end of a tree trunk was ly- ing). The finding of this species in Panama increases our knowledge of its distribution since it previously has been reported only from Dutch Guiana where it is a common species and breeds in artificial receptacles, tree holes and ground pools.
Culex corwiger Theobald.
Larvae of this species were
numerous in several small ground pools.
Culex coronator Dyar and Knab. Numerous larvae were present in a ground pool surrounding the base of a large stump in the cleared area.
Culex declarator Dyar and Knab. This species was breed- ing in profusion in water in a natural hollow in a log in the clearing.
Culex inflictus Theobald.
Breeding in old tin cans where
it occurred both alone and in association with Joblotia dig- itata. The larvae were also found in a hollow in a log in company with Hasmagogzis lucifer.
Aedes angustivittatus Dyar and Knab.
Represented by
three females that were captured while biting man at the edge of the forest.
A edes quadrivittatus (Coquillett) . Several females were captured near the camp while in the act of biting man. They



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9 3 4 I Entomological Investigations in Panama 171 were taken in late afternoon and on cloudy days. Finding this species at Camp Pital indicates that it has a rather un- usual altitudinal range since it previously has been reported only from higher elevations, having been taken up to 9,000 feet, and was considered as an Aedes of high altitudes only. Mansonia titillans (Walker). Two females of this species were taken within our camp and a third was captured out- side while biting man. It was remarkable that this mosquito was not more in evidence since masses of the floating water plant, Pistia stratiotes, to the roots of which the larvae of this species remain attached, were present in the Madre Viejo River about two miles from Pital.
Hasmagogus lucifer Howard, Dyar and Knab. Many adults reared from larvae collected from water in a hollow in a log. Culex inflictus larvae were also present in this water.
The entomological fauna of Camp Pital was found to be rich in blood sucking flies of the family Tabanidae. The
door of the camp had evidently been open for some time previous to our arrival and many flies of various families ha.d entered and were grouped about on the inside of the screens when we moved in. A number of these were cap- tured and thirty-eight proved to be Tabanidae, with four genera and seven species represented.
A mule used for transporting supplies was kept at the camp and during the greater part of the day it was tied at the edge of the forest to graze. This animal proved to be good bait for attracting Tabanidse and numerous specimens were collected from it. It also gave me an opportunity for making a few observations concerning the biting habits of some of the species.
Pangonia prasiniventris Macquart. Flies of this species were quite numerous and caused much annoyance to the pack animals at Camp La Vaca in February, 1930. Dr. Clark collected ten specimens at this time. Stibosoma flavistigma Hine. Only one specimen of this large fly was captured on the mule at Camp Pital. It was noted approaching with a swift circling flight and a loud



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172 Psyche [ September
buzzing sound. It made several attempts to alight on the belly of the mule but each time it struck with so much force and noise that the animal flinched and twitched its skin to prevent it. After a number of trials it succeeded in alight- ing on the inside of the upper part of the hind leg and began to feed.
This gave me a chance to capture it.
A second
specimen was also seen making several efforts to alight on the mule but, like the first one, it struck so forcibly and nois- ily that it startled the animal each time and caused it to flinch and stamp its feet. The fly finally ceased its attempt to alight and flew away. It did not return while I was ob- serving the mule.
Lepidoselaga lepidota Wiedemann.
Three of these flies
were captured inside the camp at Camp Pital. They were taken some days after our arrival and apparently had gained entrance through holes in the screening or while the doors were open. A fourth specimen was captured as it was feeding upon an ox in a pasture near Esperanza Sta- tion. Since this species appears to pass its larval and pupal stages at the base of the crown of leaves of the water let- tuce, Pistia stratiotes, it is quite probable that these flies were much more numerous in closer proximity to rivers, streams, pools, etc., in which these plants were present. Chrysops melznus Hine. Twenty-four flies of this species were captured while they were feeding upon the mule at Camp Pital. They seemed to confine thier attacks mainly to the region about the animal's ears.
Chrysops calogmter Schiner.
One of the small flies of
this species was found inside the camp at Camp Pital upon our arrival.
Diehelacera analis Hine. Flies of this species were found to be much more numerous than any other of the Tabanidse and were the most persistent in their attacks on man and animals. A total of 165 specimens were collected at Camp Pital and Puerto Armuelles. Twenty-two of these were found inside the camp upon our arrival, where they had entered apparently for shade. The remainder were taken while biting either man or the mule. They were present



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19 34 I Entomological Investigations in Panama 173 throughout the day and until late in the evening, seeming to become more active at twilight. They were vicious biters and very persistent in their attempts to obtain blood. They apparently were attracted by motion and when one was moving in the forest they followed to circle about with a vicious hum and dart at one's face, hands or any exposed part of the body and immediately begin biting. If one stood or sat quietly for a few minutes most of these flies gradually disappeared, although a few invariably remahied and continued their efforts to feed. They were to be found by the hundreds attacking the mule at nearly all times. Some preference seemed to be shown for the neck and head but they were found on nearly all parts of the animal's body at times. They were rather slow in filling with blood and when gorged became quite sluggish. The wings were held partly extended while feeding. Although this species was much more common along the edge of the for*est, they fre- quently appeared in bright sunlight as well. Diehelacera submarginata Lutz. This was nearly as abundant as D. analis and 94 specimens were collected, fif- teen found inside the camp resting on the screens. They seemed to center their attacks upon the mule and appar- ently were not much attracted by humans, only one being taken while biting man. They attacked the mule all during the day and early evening and, strangely enough, never at- tempted to feed on any part of the animal except the lower legs. From 20 to 50 were usually present on each leg and it was very seldom that a single individual was noticed bit- ing above the knees. They gathered in masses at the fet- locks and around the coronary region at the top of the hoofs. They are slow feeders and required some little time to engorge. The mule did not seem to experience much an- noyance from their attacks and seldom stamped its feet to prevent their bites. When brushed from the animal's legs these flies flew only a few inches and immediately returned to resume their feeding. They seemed to be noiseless in flight when approaching or leaving the mule. Tabamis albocirculus Hine.
Flies of this species were




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174 Psyche [September
quite common at Camp Pital and were present in consider- able numbers on the mule. It was noted that most of those on the animal at any one time were located about the head and neck.
Tabanus calignosus Bellardi. This species was represented in our collections by only two specimens. One of these was taken inside the camp and the other was captured while feeding upon the mule.
Tabanus festive Hine. Five of these flies were collected at Camp Pital, three on July 13th and two on July 20th. They were not in evidence except while feeding, or about to feed, on the mule. They approached with a swift flight and after a short circling about darted at the animal and settled on the lower frontal area of its head. All five seemed to attjempt to bite at almost the same spot. The first three captured were taken within an hour and although they came only one at a time the sitaes of the three bites could have been covered with a silver dollar. These flies were very wary and it was almost impossible to capture them until after they had begun to take blood.
Tdbanm fumomarginatzis Hine. Five specimens were taken at Camp Pital, two in the camp on the evening of our arrival and three others later on the mule. Tabanus iwmis Fabricius.
Two flies of this species were
collected by Dr. Clark as they were attacking the pack mules at Camp La Vaca in February, 1930. Tabanus leucaspis ~iedemann.
Two of these flies were
collected from the mule at Camp Pital.
Tabanm occidentaizs Linnaeus. This species was present in abundance and attacked the horses and mules at Progreso in August, 1931. Two specimens were collected by Dr. Clark at this time.
Tabanus stmocephalus Hine. This species was quite common at Camp Pital and a number of specimens were captured as they fed upon the mule. They did not appear to favor any particular part of the animal. Tubanus unistriatus Hine. Many flies of this species were



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19 34 I Entomological Investigations in Panama 175 present at Camp Pital and Puerto Armuelles. They bit man and animals with equal readiness.
Lynchia augustifrons (Van der Wulp). A male and fe- male of this species were collected from a Swainson's toucan, Rhamphastos swainsonii Gould, at Camp Pital. Stilbometopa ramphastonis Ferris. Two females of this species were found on a Swainson's toucan, Rhamphastos swainsonii Gould, at Camp Pital. These proved to be a new species and were named and described by Ferris. Ornithoica confluenta (Say). Three specimens of these flies were collected from two Swainson's toucans, Rham- phastos swainsonii Gould, at Camp Pital. Olfersia vulturis Pan der Wulp.
Fli'es of this species
were collected from four black vultures, Catharista urubu (Viellot), that were examined at Camp Pital. Three of these birds yielded three flies each, and five were taken from the fourth.
Olfersia spinif era (Leach). Several of these flies were taken from a king vulture, Gypagus papa Linnaeus, by Dr. dark at Camp La Vaca. There were many of these flies present on the bird but they were very difficult to cap- ture. So many escaped that a bed net was hung from a limb of a tree and the dead bird placed in it in order to secure the flies. Four specimens were collected inside the net. The following day one of these flies was captured as it alighted upon the head of the native cook and attempted to crawl into his hair. The second day another fly of this species was found on the outside of the bed net, in which the bird had been placed. (It had been left suspended in order that it could be used if others with parasitic fliles were taken.) Probably these two flies were among those that had left the bird to escape capture (one or two days previously and had later returned to seek their host again.) Lipoptena mazamas Rondani. Twelve of these small par- asitic flies wiere found on a brocket deer, Mazama sartorii reperticia Goldman, that was killed in the forest near Camp Pital.




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176 Psyche [ September
Cuterebra bseri Shannon & Green.
Four large, mature
larvae of this species were collected by Dr. Wislocki from a young, black howling monkey, Alouatta palliata inconsonans Goldman, that was killed at Puerto Armuelles on July 27, 1929. These four larvae were located in the skin in the reg- ion of the neck and an empty nodular pocket from which a fifth larva apparently had emerged was nearby. Three other young howling monkeys were shot at the same time. One of these was infested with a small, immature larva of this species. The other two each bore a number of empty nodular pockets from which it is more than likely that lar- vae of this species had emferged a short time previously. Specimens of the larvae were reared to adult flies in order to confirm the identifications. Larvae of this species were col- lected in the Darien region by J. L. Baer, in 1924, and have been reported upon by Shannon and Green (1). Since there seems to be no record of this species having been taken in Chiriqui this is probably thbe first report of its presence in Western Panama.
Dermatobia hominis Linnaeus.
A larva of this species
located itself on the inner side of Dr. Clark's elbow at Camp La Vaca in February, 1930. Two coatis, Nasua narica pan- amensis Allen, killed at Camp Pital, wbere found to be in- fested with larvae of this species. A mature larva, about 21 mm. in length, was located in the right femoral region of one of the animals. The second coati was infested with two of the larvae. They were approximately two-thirds