TAXONOMIC STUDIES OF GRASSOMYIA INDICA (THEODOR, 1931) (DIPTERA: PSYCHODIDAE) IN SINDH AND PUNJAB AND ITS PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS CLOSEST ALLIES

The work was done in the survey to develop taxonomic record of sand flies Grassomyia indica (Theodor) collected for the first time from the endemic localities of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sindh and Punjab Provinces. In view of the published reports about the detection of encephalitis viruses from the species of the genus Sergentomyia Franca and Theodor from the Indian localities and their possible role in kala-azar transmission, the correct identification of the species becomes of significant value in the study of epidemiology of leishmaniasis and other viral diseases. Therefore, in order to facilitate Zoologists and Medical researchers in correct identification of sand flies, morphology of taxonomic characters especially wings, cibarium, mouth parts, male and female genitalia of Grassomyia indica is studied and results are presented in this paper. A key is also given to this species and its closest allies. Its phylogenetic relationship with them is also briefly discussed.