Black flies (Diptera, Simuliidae) as ecological indicators of stream ecosystem health in an urbanizing area (Rome, Italy).

Introduction: The effectiveness of Simuliidae (Diptera, Nematocera) as indicators of stream health was tested in the urbanizing area of Rome, Central Italy.

Methods: 108 sampling sites were investigated in the spring to acquire data on environmental variables and black fly species.

Results And Discussion: The comparison of sampling and literature data highlighted the disappearance of some species (Simulium reptans, S.

[Landscape and mass-attack of Simuliidae-Diptera on man and domestic animals].

Mass-attack of Simuliidae-Diptera on man and domestic animals should not be considered only as a consequence of quality of running freshwater, but also as an effect of the actual state of the surrounding area. The territory, in fact, impacts the qualitative properties of a water body and can trigger adverse phenomena, especially so when modified by significant anthropic activities. In different locations the native settings have been replaced by deforestation, intensive farming and zootechnological activities.

Rickettsiae of the spotted fever group associated with the host-parasite system Oryctolagus cuniculi/Rhipicephalus pusillus.

Wild rabbits--Oryctolagus cuniculi--living in large numbers in a protected zone of Tuscany, the park of Migliarino--San Rossore--Massaciuccoli, showed to be carriers of the hard tick Rhipicephalus pusillus, previously observed in North Africa and Sicily. Antibodies to Rickettsia conorii and R. slovaca were detected in 78.