Relative abundance and seasonal dynamics of Tabanidae (Diptera) in savanna in French Guiana

Forty-two species of Tabanidae were collected in canopy traps in savanna on the border between savanna and artificial pasture, near a gallery forest, and on the edge of rainforest, on a cattle farm in the commune of Sinnamary, in the coastal zone of French Guiana, in 1980-84. Tabanus importunus, Phaetotabanus cajennensis and T. occidentalis var. dorsovittatus were the most common species. A seasonal peak occurred at the end of the rainy season (July), during the period of activity of P. cajennensis. The crepuscular species Cryptotylus unicolor was very abundant during the dry season (August-September). The last seasonal peak was observed in the late dry season (November), when T. importunus were most abundant. The greatest number of species of Tabanidae and greatest diversity index were recorded in the rainforest. The greatest number of flies was recorded near the gallery forest. Members of the tribes Scionini, Chrysopsini and Diachlorini were most frequent in the rainforest.