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Simulium damnosum sensu lato (Diptera: Simuliidae) commonly known as black fly transmits Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite which causes onchocerciasis (river blindness) in Africa. The medical and socio-economic importance associated with the biting of this fly is enormous, hence, the need to devise effective means of breaking man-fly contact. The present study examined repellent activities of formulated topical creams prepared from white soft paraffin and two concentrations (5.0% and 7.5%) of essential oils of three plants, namely Monodora myristica, Eugenia caryophyllus and Xylopia aethiopica against Simulium damnosum s.l. vectors of human onchocerciasis in Nigeria. The chemical characterization of the oils was determined using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Fly collectors that applied the formulated creams at both concentrations caught lower numbers of black flies compared with the control. The difference in the number of flies caught between each of the three essential oils and the control was statistically significant at 7.5% concentration, whereas only E. caryophyllus was significantly different from the control at 5.0% concentration. Eugenia caryophyllus had the highest repellent activities, with the protection of 47.1% and 50.6%, followed by X. aethiopica (37.1% and 36.1%), whereas M. myristica had the least (28.7% and 34.1%) for concentrations of 5.0% and 7.5%, respectively. Trans-13-octadecenoic acid, Eugenol and Alpha-pinene were found to be the principal chemical constituents in M. myristica, E. caryophyllus and X. aethiopica, respectively. The active agents in the essential oils could be useful in providing low-cost repellents to prevent human-vector contact in black fly-infested communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butterflies (Order: Lepidoptera) are potential pollinators which should be conserved for the benefits of the ecosystem. Osun State has no data base on butterfly species diversity which is necessary for conservation and wildlife management in the State despite intensive agricultural activities. Survey of abundance and diversity of butterfly species as alternative pollinators within south western Nigeria was carried out. Butterfly specimens were collected from four different sites (i) Open field (ii) Cultivated plot (iii) Non-cultivated plot and (iv) Ornamental in each selected study zones using insect sweep net along transects on each site. The collected specimens were preserved and identified up to species level. Data on the abundance and diversity of the specimen were collected and analyzed to establish the relative abundance, diversity, species richness, and evenness in the study areas. A total of 182 butterflies belonging to 30 species and 3 families (Nymphalidae, Pieridae and Papilionidae) were identified. Nymphalidae was the highest in terms of abundance and species richness. This family accounted for 52.5% of the total butterfly collection with 19 species while the least family, Papilionidae had 3 species and accounted for 6.1% of the total collection. Butterfly diversity was in the following order: Ornamental site >Non-cultivated plot> Cultivated plot> Open field, in the study areas. It is recommended that butterflies which are potential pollinators should be conserved for the benefit of the ecosystem to maintain stability and support human existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographical origins and floral sources of honeys of different localities are determined by pollen analysis. The information derived may be used to develop analytic standards for pollen contents in form of quality control and assurance steps for honeys meant for exports and domestic uses but has never been employed in south west Nigeria. We analyzed pollen contents of some honey samples sourced from selected commercial apiaries within south west, Nigeria. Eighteen botanical families with 30 different pollen types were identified to species level. South west Nigeria is dominated by Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae). While other botanical taxa include Lannea triphylla (Anacardiaceae), Tridax procumbens (Asteraceae), Pouteria sericea (Sapotaceae) and Talinum triangulare (Talinaceae) representing secondary pollen types. The minor pollen taxa include Avicennia officinalis (Acanthaceae), Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), Vernonia cinereal (Asteraceae), Jacaranda mimosifolia (Bignoniaceae), Carica papaya (Caricaceae), Cassia fistula (Fabaceae), Erythrina mildbraedii (Fabaceae), Irvingia gabonensis (Irvingiaceae), Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae), Triumfetta cordifolia, Sida acuta, Cola nitida (Malvaceae), Guaduella oblonga (Poaceae) and Protea elliottii (Proteaceae). Beefavoured botanical families identified include Anacardiaceae, Asteraceae, Arecaceae, Sapotaceae and Talinaceae. From the study, Elaeis guineensis was widely dispersed and widely foraged by honeybees, Apis mellifera adansonii, within south west Nigeria. The honey samples are multifloral. The study provides pollen profiles of south western Nigerian honeys with prospects in Apitherapy and setting of quality control standards. It also provides information on the major plants foraged by honeybees within the region for seasonal bee management to enhance productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]