The Breeding Places of Phlebotomus in Panama (Diptera, Psychodidae)

An intensive and prolonged search for the larvae of Phlcbotomus sand flies in a variety of natural habitats in Panama resulted in the collection of 2258 larvae belonging to at least 15 of the 60-odd species now known from the area. A number of the species are quite specific in their habitat requirements, some living on the surface of fallen dead leaves on the forest floor while others burrow an inch or more beneath the soil surface. Methods used include a sugar solution notation technique, which is described, and simple searching of likely habitats. The scanty published information is reviewed.