Response of Lutzomyia cruciata1 to CDC Light Traps Modified with Light-Emitting Diodes

CDC light traps are an alternative for monitoring phlebotomines of medical importance. Nevertheless, their results vary among species, affecting the efficiency of the standard-type trap. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of light color as bait with CDC traps to catch Lutzomyia cruciata (Coquillet). Response of wild Lutzomyia cruciata females to light colors was evaluated under laboratory conditions and with LED light colors of CDC traps in field tests. Laboratory bioassays showed no difference in the relative attraction of Lu. cruciata to different light color when compared with the control (yellow) color, except the red light with less attractive than the control. The number of Lu. cruciata captured with unmodified CDC traps was similar to captures in traps emitting blue light, the treatment with the largest number of captures. When comparing the combined effect of light stimulus with odor mixture, a similar amount of individuals was attracted to the blue light and to unmodified standard light (with or without odor mixture), with captures less using just odor bait and no light. These results suggest that blue light is an attractant important for Lu. cruciata, which could be applied to increase efficacy of the CDC traps.