Environmental Entomology (1986) 15, 689-694

S.A. Allan and J.G. Stoffolano Jr. (1986)
Effects of background contrast on visual attraction and orientation of Tabanus nigrovittatus (Diptera: Tabanidae)
Environmental Entomology 15 (3), 689-694
Abstract: Effect of background contrast on attraction of host-seeking Tabanus nigrovittatus Macquart was examined using small test panels against large background panels. Attraction of T. nigrovittatus to gray test panels was significantly greater when contrast against gray background panels was highest. Maximum numbers were attracted to high-intensity blue test panels against low-intensity gray backgrounds and low-intensity saturated blue panels against all-gray backgrounds regardless of intensity. The latter indicates the attractive effect of hue independent of intensity. Flies collected on test and background panels were clumped on the test panel (32.6%), along the boundary of the test panel and the background panel (59.9%), and from 15.2 to 38.0 cm above ground level (85%). Direct observation revealed that 60% of the flies approaching the panel landed and all did so below the height of initial approach. Only 20% landed immediately; the remainder flew past the panel first, then returned. The majority of flies (85.5%) approached panels at 30.4-53.2 cm above ground level.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tabanus nigrovittatus