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90
Rekia et al.
Int. J. Biosci.
2021
RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS
Place of Diptera in the Sahara wetlands of Algeria (Ouargla,
Northern Sahara)
Chennouf Rekia1*, Saggou Hayet2, Benbrahim Keltoum1, Lamrani Cherifa2,
AbikeurRezka1, Marniche Faieza3, Guezoul Omar1, Ould El Hadj Mohamed Didi4
1Laboratory of Saharan Bioresources Preservation and Valorization Kasdi Merbah Ouargla
University,30000 Algeria
2Laboratory of Phɶniciculture Kasdi Merbah University, Algeria
3El Alia National Veterinary College, Algiers, Algeria
4Laboratory for the Protection of Ecosystems in Arid and Semi-arid Zones Kasdi Merbah Ouargla
University, Algeria
Key words: Diptera, wetlands, inventory, Ephydridae, Dolichopodidae.
http://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/19.2.90-100
Article published on August 22, 2021
Abstract
The present study focuses on the inventory of the dipterian fauna of four wetlands in the Ouargla region
(Northern Sahara, Algeria). These are the lake of Hassi Ben Abdallah, Sebkhat Sefioune lake, Chott Ain El Beida
and thepalm grove of the ksar (oasis). For a systematic inventory of species, different techniques are used. This
inventory reveals a dipteran fauna that is rich in 106 species divided into 43 families.The family Ephydridae is
indeed the best represented, with 14 species (47.6%). It is followed by the Dolichopodidae with 14 species
(13.9%) with the dominance of the species Asyndetusappendiculatus (10.1%). In the lake of Hassi Ben Abdallah,
81 species of Diptera are inventoried, they are distributed among 35 families. In Sebkhat Sefioune and during the
12 months, 60 species were inventoried, distributed in 30 families. On the other hand, in the Chott Ain El Beida,
27 species were caught. They are distributed among 15 families. In the ksar palm grove, 38 species were
recorded, distributed in 22 families. It is noted that 17 species are common to the four wetlands in the Ouargla
region. However, 27 species are only found at the level of the lake of Hassi Ben Abdallah, with 14 species caught
only at lake Sebkhat Sefioune and 9 species of Diptera are specific to the ksar palm grove. It should be noted that
no specific species were reported at Chott Ain El Beida. The latter is the least diversified station. The ksar palm
grove is the most balanced environment in terms of families and dipterian species compared to the other
stations. The lake of Hassi Ben Abdallah has the most species.
* Corresponding Author: Chennouf Rekia rekiachennouf@yahoo.fr
International Journal of Biosciences | IJB |
ISSN: 2220-6655 (Print), 2222-5234 (Online)
http://www.innspub.net
Vol. 19, No. 2, p. 90-100, 2021
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Int. J. Biosci.
2021
Introduction
Diptera is one of the most numerically important
orders of the insect class (Duvallet et al., 2017).
Diptera is cosmopolitan by their distribution, they are
commonly united in the same hostility, that of the
inappropriate insects, unclean, dangerous by their
contact and their bite. Indeed, many species play an
active role in the transmission of diseases, which can
be mild, severe, or even deadly. Their knowledge and
identifications are indispensable for physicians,
ecologists, hygienists, zoologists and entomologists
(Séguy, 1924). Medical and veterinary entomology
considers that Diptera, especially hematophagi, are
the main vectors of infectious diseases, such as
malaria, which is transmitted to humans by a dozen
culicids. In spite of the unpleasantness and of certain
species, most play an important ecological role, not
only do they participate in the elimination of excreta
(coprophagous species) but also of cadavers (species
saprophages). Aquatic species account for more than
10% of the fish diet (Fontaine et al.1976).
Some families of Diptera (Chironomidae) have a
positive ecological role both in the larval and in the
aquatic environment the adult state (Dejoux, 1981).
They are an abundant source of energy for many
species of predators, in both aquatic and terrestrial
environments. They are detritus feeders which
intervene in the chain of saprophages and also play a
considerable role in the functioning of aquatic
ecosystems.of stagnant water, immature stages are
eaten by insects (dragonfly larvae, dytic larvae), and
fish, adults are preyed upon by insects, amphibians,
reptiles, birds and bats (Coldrey and Bernard,1999;
Bourassa, 2000).Algeria has several wetlands, which
are among the most precious resources in terms of
biological diversity and natural productivity
(Boumezbeur, 2004). The wetlands are an important
habitat for the fauna in the Sahara, particularly the
Diptera. At the same time, the palm grove is an
integral part of the Saharan ecosystem and
constitutes an ideal environment for the protection of
insects of ecological, agronomic and economic
interest (Munier,1973).The richness and dipterian
diversity that can be found in the Saharan regions of
Algeria has been the subject of research work by some
authors such as Boukraa et al. (2011), who studied the
populations of sandflies, vectors of the agents
responsible for leishmaniasis in the region of M'Zab
(Ghardaïa). Merabti (2015), interested in the
composition and structure of Culicidian populations
in the Biskra region. Chennouf et al. (2017) and
Chennouf (2018), study arthropodological fauna in
the Hassi Ben Abdallah and Sebkhat Sefioune lakes in
the Ouargla region.
Materials and methods
Choice of stations
The region of Ouargla (31°58' N., 5° 20' E.) is located
in the southeast of Algeria, 800 km from the capital
Algiers. The Ouargla region is characterized by a
particularly contrasted climate despite the relatively
northern latitude (Rouvillois Brigol, 1975). Aridity is
expressed not only by high summer temperatures and
low rainfall but also by the high evaporation due to
dry air (Ould El Hadj, 2002).
The dry period lasts all year round. In the framework
of this research, we have chosen four wetlands, the
lake of Hassi Ben Abdallah, the lake of Sebkhat
Sefioune, the Chott Ain El Beida and a palm grove of
the l’ksar (oasis).
Lake of Hassi Ben Abdallah:The lake of Hassi Ben
Abdallah has an area of 10 ha and a maximum depth
of 4.7 meters. It is located west of the commune of
Hassi Ben Abdallah at a distance of 1 km from the
national road linking the communes of Sidi Khouiled
to Hassi Ben Abdallah.
The waters of the lake originally come from the water
table of the Ouargla basin, but also the drainage
waters of the Ouargla basin (B.H.S., 2015).
Lake Sebkhat Sefioune: The lake of Sebkhat Sefioune
is at an altitude of 129 m. It is located north of the
Ouargla oasis at 52 km. In the recent past, this area
has been dry. It is from November 2009 that drainage
water from the city of Ouargla was diverted to
Sebkhat Sefioune (Bouchibi Baaziz et al., 2010).
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2021
Chott Ain El Beida: The Chott Ain El Beida is located
not far from the city of Ouargla at 8 Km. It is
sandwiched between the palm grove of Ouargla to the
west and south, the palm grove of Ain El Beida to the
east and it opens on northern dune formations. It
should be remembered that this Chott is a Saline
depression whose flooded part is constituted by the
Sebkha, with a surface of 6853 ha. Stretching in a
north-western, south-eastern direction over a length
of 5.3 km, its width varies from 01 to 1.5 km. It is
traversed by a network of drains that channel the
excess water from the palm grove of Ouargla. In
2004, the Chott d'Ain El-Beida, is classified in the list
of the convention international Ramsar Convention,
to protect the rich fauna and flora of this area (TAD,
2004).
Ksar palm grove: It is a palm grove with an
unorganized plantation, located 1 km northeast of the
city of Ouargla. It covers an area of 7 ha. It is
characterized by a plantation of date palm
(Phoenixdactylifera L). Irrigation is of the
submersion type. This palm grove has 153 feet of date
palms and fodder crops. It is worth noting the
presence of drains in the palm grove.
Qualitative inventory
The sampling of the dipterian fauna (larvae and
adults), lasted 12 months, covering all seasons. The
monitoring of Diptera is carried out through a series
of samples taken in and around the lakes: Hassi Ben
Abdallah Lake, Chott de Ain El Beida and Sebkhat
Sefioune and at the level of the phoenic environment
at intervals of 30 days.
Through a systematic inventory of species, different
techniques are used. For trapping Diptera,the Barber
jars recommended by Benkhelil(1991) were used. The
larvae are caught with cloud nets and submerged nets
(Zahradnik and Severa, 1988). Light traps allow
retainingDiptera when they are brought closer to the
light (Benkhelil, 1991). Colored traps (orange, yellow,
green and blue) are used to capture adults (Lamotte
and Bourlire, 1969), for Diptera on the herbaceous
stratum, the mowing net is used (Benkhelil, 1991).
Identification of samples
The trapped species are recovered in pots containing
70° alcool bearing the number of the trap pot and the
date of trapping. At the laboratory level, the samples
are examined, determined and counted using a
binocular magnifying glass. These samples were
brought back to the zoology laboratory of Algiers
under the assistance of Professor MarnicheFaiza at
the National Superior Veterinary School of Algiers for
confirmation of the species of diptera. On the basis of
dichotomous keys and works let us quote those of
Seguy (1923), MC. Alpineet al. (1981), Perrier (1983),
Mc Alpine et al. (1992), Matille (1993), Haupt (2000),
Mcgavin (2000) and Bouchard (2004).
Results
For the present study, 17743 individuals are
inventoried. They are divided between 3893
individuals for Lake Hassi Ben Abdallah and 11535
individuals for Lake Sebkhat Sefioune, 1661
individuals at Chott Ain El Beida and 654 individuals
in the palm grove. The inventoried species are
described and classified, this inventory shows a
richness of 106 species divided into 43 families, 31
Brachycera and 12 Nematocera (Table 2).
Among the families, the Ephydridae family is better
represented, with 14 species (47.6%), especially the
species Notiphila sp. with 17.2%. It is followed by
Dolichopodidae with 14 species (13.9%) with the
dominance of the species Asyndetus appendiculatus
(10.1%). The Chironomidae represent 6.6%. The
family Culcidae comes in fourth place with 3 species
(4.43%). Sphaeroceridae (4.3%); Sarchophagidae
(4.05%); Hybotidae (3.8%); Muscidae (3.02%). The
other families are poorly represented (Table2).
For the lake of Hassi Ben Abdallah 81 species of
Diptera are inventoried. They are distributed among
35 families. In this area 49.65% of the species belong
to the family Ephydridae, with the species Notiphila
sp. which remains the best-represented species, it
accounts for 26.6%, followed by the species Hydrellia
sp. (16,2 %). In second place comes the family
Dolichopodidae with 25.7%; in this family the species
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2021
most represented is the dominant is Asyndetus
appendiculatus (17.3%), followed by Dolichopus
campestris (3.9%). The Chironomidae contribute
5.3% (Table 2).
At lake Sebkhat Sefioune and during the study period,
60 species were recorded, divided into 30 families.
The family Ephydridae is the most dominant (73.7%)
of all Diptera captured. In this family, the
speciesNotiphila sp. (36.7%) is the most noticed,
followed by Hydrellia sp. (27,5%). The family
Chironomidae comes second with 15.8% and 1819
individuals. The Muscidae family represents 2.8% of
the species harvested in the Sebkhat Sefioune lake;
these are Musca domestica (1.3%) and Hydrotaea sp.
(1.22%), which are the most dominant(Table 2).
Table 1. Geographic location and types of vegetation found in the four stations in the Ouargla region.
Station
Wetland
Type of plants
Geographical coordinates
Station 1
Lake Hassi Ben
Abdallah
Tamarix gallica L.
Phragmites communisTrin.
Juncusmaritimus Lam.
32° 01’54’’ N, 5° 44’66’’ E
Station 2
Lake Sebkhat Sefioune
Phragmites communisTrin.
Suedafructicosa Forssk.
Tamarix gallica L.
Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.)M.Bieb
32° 19’16 ’’N, 5° 22’ 6’’E
Station 3
Chott Ain El Beida
Halocnemum strobilaceum ( Pall.) M.Bieb
Tamarixgallica L.
31°57’14.3’’N, 5°22’13.6’’E
Station 4
Palm grove of l'ksar
Phoenix dactylifera L.
Cressacretica L.
Sonchusmaritimus L.
Spergularia salina L .
Cynanchumacutum L.
31° 43’57’’N, 5° 66’20’’ E
The inventory of the dipterian fauna at Chott Ain El
Beida resulted in the capture of 27 species. They are
distributed among 15 families and 2 suborders. The
family best represented remains that of Ephydridae
(53.09%) especially these aquatic larvae which are the
most dominant (45.6%). The Sarcophagidae
contribute by a single species Sarcophaga sp. (15,6
%). The family Piophilidae represents the 9.09% at
Chott Ain El Beida, it is represented only by one
species Piophila sp. In this wetland, the
Dolichopodidae (6.4%) are represented by the species
Hercostomus gracilis (5.9%) and Asyndetus
appendiculatus (0.54%). It should be noted that the
remaining eight families are poorly represented. For
the ksar palm grove, 38 species are listed. They are
divided into 22 families. In this oasis, and contrary to
the other stations, the family Dolichopodidae is the
best represented (23.2%) with the species Asyndetus
appendiculatus which represent the majority of
individuals caught, that is 146 individuals (22.3%);
Hercostomus gracilis with 5 individuals (0.76%); and
Chrysotuslaesus with only one individual (0,15%).It
should be noted that for the first time species of the
family Dolichopodidae are reported in Algeria. In
second place comes the Hybotidae with Platypalpus
sp. (14.7%), followed by the family Culcidae (13.6%)
with the species Culex sp. (7.6%) and Anopheles sp.
(5.3%). The family Ephydridae contributes 13.15%
with mainly the species Notiphila sp. (3,7%); Scatella
praia (3.5%); Ephydra sp.1(3.4%). They are followed
by Sphaeroceridae and the single species Leptocera
sp. (11.9%); Syrphidae (6.12%), with a dominance of
the species Eupeodescorollae (4.6%), followed by
Eristalis aereus (1.4%). The family Muscidae
participates by 3.7%. In this family, the species Musca
domestica(1.7%) is the most noticed.
Drosophilidae(3.06%) are represented by the species
Drosophila bifasciata (2.5%) (Table2).
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Table 2. The richness and relative abundance of Diptera species inventoried at each of the study stations.
Famille
Espèce
Code
S1
S2
S3
S4
Nb.
AR%
Nb.
AR%
Nb.
AR%
Nb.
AR%
Ephydridae
Ochthera mantis (De Geer, 1776)
Sp 1
-
-
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Ephydra sp.1
Sp 2
13
0,33
11
0,10
43
2,59
22
3,36
Ephydra sp.2
Sp 3
-
-
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Scatophila sp.
Sp 4
2
0,05
-
-
1
0,06
6
0,92
Setacera sp.
Sp 5
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
0,92
Caenia sp.
Sp 6
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Gymnoclasiopa sp.
Sp 7
43
1,10
14
0,12
-
-
-
-
Hydrellia sp.
Sp 8
631
16,21
3166
27,45
1
0,06
2
0,31
Notiphila sp.
Sp 9
1034
26,56
4237
36,73
29
1,75
24
3,67
Paracoenia sp.
Sp 10
5
0,13
40
0,35
7
0,42
3
0,46
Typopsilopa sp.
Sp 11
23
0,59
347
3,01
-
-
-
-
Scatellapraia (Wirth et Stone, 1956)
Sp 12
83
2,13
38
0,33
57
3,43
23
3,52
Scatella sp.
Sp 13
42
1,08
25
0,22
-
-
-
-
Ephydridae sp.ind.
Sp 14
56
1,44
623
5,40
757
45,5
-
-
Piophilidae
Piophila sp.
Sp 15
6
0,15
-
-
151
9,09
1
0,15
Syrphidae
Eristalis sp.
Sp 16
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
0,15
Eristalis aereus
Sp 17
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
1,38
Eupeodescorollae(Fabricius, 1794)
Sp 18
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
30
4,59
Helophilus sp.
Sp 19
1
0,03
6
0,05
-
-
-
-
Muscidae
Muscadomestica (Linnaeus, 1758)
Sp 20
103
2,65
146
1,27
3
0,18
11
1,68
Hydrotaea sp.
Sp 21
33
0,85
141
1,22
20
1,20
7
1,07
Azelia sp.
Sp 22
7
0,18
-
-
3
0,18
6
0,92
Phaonia sp.
Sp 23
3
0,08
7
0,06
-
-
-
-
Muscina sp.
Sp 24
1
0,03
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Muscina stabulans (Fallén, 1817)
Sp 25
2
0,05
8
0,07
-
-
-
-
Muscidae sp.
Sp 26
3
0,08
16
0,14
3
0,18
-
-
Fannidae
Fannia sp.
Sp 27
8
0,21
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Fannia scalaris(Fabricius, 1794)
Sp 28
1
0,03
95
0,82
-
-
-
-
Anthomyiidae
Anthomyia sp.
Sp 29
2
0,05
-
-
-
-
-
-
Delia sp.
Sp 30
-
-
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Anthomyiidae sp.
Sp 31
3
0,08
2
0,02
3
0,18
16
2,45
Lauxaniidae
Lauxania nigrimana (Coquillett, 1902)
Sp 32
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
0,46
Psilidae
Psilidae sp.ind.
Sp 33
-
-
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Scathophagidae
Scathophaga sp.
Sp 34
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
0,31
Norellia sp.
Sp 35
3
0,08
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dolichopodidae
Chrysotus laesus (Wiedemann, 1817)
Sp 36
39
1
-
-
-
-
1
0,15
Hercostomus gracilis (Loew, 1857) **
Sp 37
63
1,62
-
-
97
5,84
5
0,76
Asyndetus appendiculatus (Loew,
1869)**
Sp 38
674
17,31
27
0,23
9
0,54
146
22,3
Aphrosylus venator (Loew, 1857) **
Sp 39
-
-
37
0,32
-
-
-
-
Tachytrechus insignis (Stannius, 1831) **
Sp 40
2
0,05
-
-
-
-
-
-
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Tachytrechusalatus (Becker, 1922) **
Sp 41
21
0,54
10
0,09
-
-
-
-
Sciapusplatypterus (Fabricius,1805)
Sp 42
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sciapus sp.
Sp 43
40
1,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dolichopus sp.
Sp 44
2
0,05
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dolichopus latipennis (Loew , 1857)**
Sp 45
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dolichopus campestris (Meigen, 1824) **
Sp 46
151
3,88
3
0,03
-
-
-
-
Dolichopus griseipennis(Stannius, 1831)
**
Sp 47
5
0,13
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tenchophorus sp.
Sp 48
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hydrophorus sp.
Sp 49
-
-
2
0,02
-
-
-
-
Phoridae
Megaselia sp.
Sp 50
15
0,39
28
0,24
-
-
-
-
Phoridae sp.
Sp 51
39
1
7
0,06
1
0,06
16
2,45
Sphaeroceridae
Leptocera sp.
Sp 52
53
1,36
289
2,51
22
1,32
78
11,9
Poecilosomella sp.
Sp 53
-
-
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Sarcophagidae
Sarcophaga africa (Wiedemann, 1824)
Sp 54
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
0,15
Sarcophaga carnaria( Linnaeus, 1758 )
Sp 55
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sarcophaga sp.
Sp 56
14
0,36
9
0,08
259
15,6
-
-
Drosophilidae
Drosophila sp.1
Sp 57
42
1,08
77
0,67
1
0,06
4
0,61
Drosophila sp.2
Sp 58
6
0,15
-
-
-
-
-
-
Drosophila bifasciata (Pomini, 1940)
Sp 59
-
-
-
-
-
-
16
2,45
Calliphoridae
Lucilia sericata (Meigen,1826)
Sp 60
2
0,05
2
0,02
1
0,06
1
0,15
Lucilia sp.
Sp 61
1
0,03
2
0,02
-
-
-
-
Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann,1819)
Sp 62
4
0,10
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Agromyzidae
Phytomyza sp.
Sp 63
24
0,62
42
0,36
-
-
-
-
Liriomyza sp.
Sp 64
11
0,28
-
-
-
-
-
-
Agromyza sp.
Sp 65
-
-
3
0,03
-
-
-
-
Pseudonopomyza sp.
Sp 66
15
0,39
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tephritidae
Trupanea stellata (Fuesslin, 1775)
Sp 67
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
0,15
Urophora sp.
Sp 68
-
-
-
-
1
0,06
1
0,15
Hybotidae
Platypalpus sp.
Sp 69
4
0,10
-
-
5
0,3
96
14,7
Tachydromia sp.
Sp 70
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Opomyzidae
Opomyza sp.
Sp 71
2
0,05
-
-
-
-
-
-
Opomyzidae sp.ind.
Sp 72
7
0,18
14
0,12
-
-
-
-
Tabanidae
Atylotus agrestis (Wiedemann, 1828)
Sp 73
-
-
1
0,01
-
-
1
0,15
Brachystomatidae
Brachystomatidae sp.ind.
Sp 74
-
-
-
-
-
-
16
2,45
Empididae
Hilara sp.
Sp 75
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Empididae sp.
Sp 76
10
0,26
14
0,12
-
-
1
0,15
Carnidae
Hemeromyia sp.
Sp 77
51
1,31
-
-
91
5,48
6
0,92
Sciomyzidae
Limnia sp.
Sp 78
4
0,10
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bombyliidae
Bombyliidae sp.ind
Sp 79
-
-
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Chloropidae
Chlorops sp.
Sp 80
-
-
10
0,09
-
-
-
-
Elachiptera sp.
Sp 81
2
0,05
-
-
-
-
-
-
Chloropidae sp. ind.
Sp 82
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Nemestrinidae
Nemestrinus sp.
Sp 83
2
0,05
-
-
-
-
-
-
96
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Int. J. Biosci.
2021
Otitidae
Ceroxys sp.
Sp 84
65
1,67
-
-
-
-
-
-
Otitidae sp.ind.
Sp 85
1
0,03
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Acroceridae
Acroceridae sp.ind
Sp 86
23
0,59
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tachinidae
Tachinidae sp.ind
Sp 87
4
0,10
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Stratiomyidae
Odontomyia sp.
Sp 88
2
0,05
-
-
-
-
-
-
Stratiomyidae sp. ind.
Sp 89
1
0,03
7
0,06
-
-
-
-
Cecidomyiidae
Cecidomyiidae sp.ind.
Sp 90
7
0,18
2
0,02
-
-
-
-
Mycetophilidae
Mycetophilidae sp.ind.
Sp 91
3
0,08
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Trichoceridae
Trichocera sp.
Sp 92
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dixidae
Dixidae sp. ind.
Sp 93
-
-
25
0,22
-
-
-
-
Psychodidae
Psychodaphalaenoides (Linnaeus, 1758)
Sp 94
-
-
4
0,03
-
-
-
-
Psychodaalternata(Say,1824)
Sp 95
-
-
65
0,56
-
-
-
-
Psychodidae sp.ind.
Sp 96
3
0,08
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Scatopsidae
Swammerdamella sp.
Sp 97
7
0,18
-
-
-
-
-
-
Scatopsidae sp.ind.
Sp 98
4
0,10
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Sciaridae
Bradysia sp.
Sp 99
33
0,85
3
0,03
-
-
-
-
Chironomidae
Chironomidae sp.
Sp 100
208
5,34
1819
15,77
85
5,12
2
0,31
Tipulidae
Tipula sp.
Sp 101
-
-
1
0,01
-
-
-
-
Ceratopogonidae
Ceratopogonidae sp.
Sp 102
6
0,15
-
-
-
-
1
0,15
Culcidae
Culcidae sp.
Sp 103
2
0,05
42
0,36
1
0,06
4
0,61
Anopheles sp.
Sp 104
64
1,64
21
0,18
2
0,12
35
5,35
Culex sp.
Sp 105
36
0,92
33
0,29
8
0,48
50
7,65
Simuliidae
Simuliidae sp. ind.
Sp 106
1
0,03
-
-
-
-
-
-
43
106
106
3893
100
11535
100
1661
100
654
100
(Nb.: Number of individuals; (+): presence; (-): absence; AR%: relative abundance; **: Dolichopodidae species reported for the
first time in Algeria; S1: Hassi Ben Abdallah lake; S2: Sebkhat Sefioune lake; S3: Chott Ain El Beida; S4: ksar palm grove).
From the results in Table 2, it appears that 11 families
of Diptera found in the two suborders are common to
the four wetlands in the Ouargla region. Ephydridae
is best endowed in species with the aquatic larvae as a
species. The dominant features were identified by the
submersion net and the dip net in the three lakes. In
the second position comes the Dolichopodidae with
the species Asyndetus appendiculatus, followed by
the larvae of the Chironomidae; then the Culcidae
with Culex sp. and Anopheles sp. However, 5 families
are found only at the lake of Hassi Ben Abdallah. They
are characterized by species-specific to this lake. This
station totals more species and families, these are the
family Sciomyzidae (Limnia sp.), Nemestrinidae
(Nemestrinus sp.), Acroceridae, Trichoceridae
(Trichocera sp.), and Simuliidae with 4 families
captured only at lake Sebkhat Sefioune (Psilidae,
Bombyliidae, Dixidae and Tipulidae). Two species are
divided into two families and the suborder
Brachycera are only found in the palm grove of the
ksar, these are the Brachystomatidae and the
Lauxaniidae with the species Lauxanianigrimana.
However, it should be noted that no specific family
has been reported in the Chott Ain El Beida. For the
correspondence factor analysis AFC (Fig.1), axes 1 and
2 represent a high percentage of inertia (81.52%).
The graphical representation of axes 1 and 2 shows
the existence of groupings (A, B, C, D and E)
distributed among the four stations. Note that
Stations 1 and 2 are identical in terms of species types
and are characteristic of wetlands of the lake type.
Station 4 contains specific species because it is a palm
grove. Station 3 located in the center of the large palm
grove of Ouargla is characterized by species
characteristic of both palm groves and lakes.
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Rekia et al.
Int. J. Biosci.
2021
Group A contains the fourteen species of Diptera
specific to the Sebkhat Sefioune lake. Among
thisDiptera, it is necessary to note Psychoda
alternata, Psychoda phalaenoides, Ochthera mantis,
Delia sp. etc. Species of the genus Psychoda are
widespread in this plant because of the sewage that
feeds this lake and the passage of camels during the
year. The species of the genus Psychoda are
pathogenic since they develop in stables, farms, or
sewage disposal pipes from houses.
The 17 species that makeup Group B are ubiquitous
and exist in all four stations. They are the species
Scatella praia, Musca domestica, Asyndetus
appendiculatus, Culex sp. Chironomidae sp,
Hydrellia sp, Notiphila sp, Anopheles sp. Group C
Diptera species are specific to the fourth station, the
ksar palm grove. It has 9 species, such as Eristalis
aereus, Lauxania nigrimana, Sarcophaga africa,
Drosophila bifasciata and Trupaneastellata. Group
D bears the species characteristic of the lake of Hassi
Ben Abdallah. Among the 27 species are
Tachytrechus insignis, Sciapus platypterus
Dolichopus arggra, Dolichopus hygroceleuthus,
Dolichopus griseipennis, Sarcophaga carnaria
...etc.Group E formed by 24 species common between
the lake of Hassi Ben Abdallah and Sebkhat Sefioune
(Muscina stabulans, Fannia scalaris, Tachytrechus
alatus, Dolichopus campestris, Chrysomya albice ps,
). Three species are common in the three lake type
wetlands, Hassi Ben Abdallah Lake, Sebkhat Sefioune
Lake and Chott Ain El Beida (Sarcophaga sp.,
Ephydridae sp. and Muscidae sp.). Urophora sp. is
the only common species between Chott Ain El Beida
and the ksar palm grove. Six species are common
between Hassi Ben Abdellah Lake, Chott Ain El Beida
and the ksar palm grove. These are the species
Piophila sp., Azelia sp., Hercostomus gracilis,
Platypalpus sp., Hemeromyia sp. and Scatophila sp.
However, it should be noted that no specific species
has been reported from Chott Ain El Beida. Diptera
uses a variety of strategies to exploit the scarce
resources of this arid band while avoiding extreme
ecological conditions. This is the case in the region of
Ouargla or at the level of wetlands, they seek
favorable ecological areas. The proliferation in a given
place of a Dipterian fauna is better suited to the
hypothesis of an improvement in trophic resources
than to that of a direct action of climatic factors.
Certainly a localized water supply, in an arid context,
also plays an important role both in the final phase of
embryonic development and on the survival of certain
larvae at the level of the lakes and palm groves
studied. It thus creates a privileged site. Table 2
shows that the lakes of Hassi Ben Abdallah and
Sebkhat Sefioune are characterized by high diversity,
followed by the ksar palm grove and lastly Chott Ain
El Beida (Ramsar site).
Several factors promote this diversity, spontaneous
vegetation that grows is worth mentioning, including
Phragmites australis (Poaceae), Zygophyllum album
(Zygophyllaceae), Halocnemum strobilaceum
(Chenopodiaceae), etc. However, the presence of
water throughout the yearpromotes the growth and
development of the region's wildlife (Hassi Ben
Abdallah lake and Sebkhat Sefioune are fed by the
drainage water from the city of Ouargla). In addition,
a large number of water birds live in the lakes
throughout the seasons.As an example the pink
flamingo (Phoenicopterusroseus), Tadorna tadorna,
Anasclypeata, Egretta garzetta, Himantopus
himantopus, at Sebkhat Sefioune and Chott Ain El
Beida.
The latter is the least diversified station; this result is
explained by the drying up of this lake for several
months during the year. The environment
phɶnicicole (the palm grove of the ksar) is the most
balanced in families and dipterian species compared
to the other stations (for example the Ephydridae
family dominates in the three lakes with more than
50% of all species recorded).
Discussion
The four wetlands Sebkhat Sefioune, lake Hassi Ben
Abdallah, Chott Ain El Beida and the palm grove of
the ksar in this arid locality by an oasis effect escaping
the effects of drought due to a localized supply of
continuous water. According to El Bashir (1996),
98
Rekia et al.
Int. J. Biosci.
2021
insects use various strategies to exploit scarce
resources while avoiding the extreme ecological
conditions of the Sahara. The conditions at the two
study stations, allowing the existing species to
continue to thrive at a time of the year when their
numbers should have been limited due to severe
environmental conditions such as drought and
scarcity, are very favourable (Dreux, 1980). of food.
Fig. 1. Factor map of diptera species inventoried at the four study stations (AFC).
This is the case of the dipterian fauna at the lakes of
Hassi Ben Abdallah, Sebkhat Sefioune, Chott Ain El
Beida and the ksar palm grove seeking favorable
ecological zones in the region ofOuargla. To this end,
Chouihat (2019) reports in three palm groves in
Ghardaïa in the Algerian Sahara, using three
sampling methods, Barber pots, mowing net and
yellow plates, 52 species of Diptera, distributed
among 26 families, of which 6 families belong to the
suborder Nematocera and 20 families are Brachycera.
Boukraa (2009), in three stations those of the
Laadiraa breeding farm and two palm groves in the
Ghardaïa region, reports 44Nematocera species
belonging to 8 families including Psychodidae,
Culicidae, Ceratopogonidae, Mycetophilidae,
Sciaridae, Cecidomyiidae and Chironomidae. Diptera
participates in the feeding of waterfowl. Meddour et
al., (2015) reported that insect species, ingested by
the Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata at Sebkhet El-
Malehare part of 5 orders and Diptera come in first
position (86.7%). The most dominant species with the
dip net are Chironomidae sp., Ephydridae sp., Culex
sp. larvae of the Chironomidae play an important role
in water filtration. Some chironomids are
bioindicators of very poor water quality if they are
massively present. Chironomidae larvae can account
for up to 80% of fish food (Matile, 1993).
The four study stations in this arid area of the
Northern Sahara, host a more diverse dipterian fauna.
These species-friendly biotopes meet requirements in
terms of periodicity of impoundment, with a salinity
level that allows the development of halophilic
vegetation (Harant and Rioux, 1953; Gabinaud et al.,
1975).
Conclusion
The study of dipterian fauna in the wetlands of the
Ouargla region conducted at Hassi Ben Abdallah lake,
99
Rekia et al.
Int. J. Biosci.
2021
Sebkhat Sefioune lake, Chott Ain El Beida and the
ksar palm grove (oasis) using six sampling techniques
revealed the existence of 106 species divided into 43
families and 2 suborders. The species of Diptera
recorded in the lakes of Hassi Ben Abdallah and
Sebkhat Sefioune, are more numerous compared to
those of the ksar palm grove and lastly Chott Ain El
Beida. It is noted the dominance of the family
Ephydridae in the three lakes, on the other hand in
the ksar palm grove, the family Dolichopodidae is the
best represented.The four wetlands (Hassi Ben
Abdallah lake, Sebkhat Sefioune lake, Chott Ain El
Beida and the ksar palm grove) in this arid area of the
Northern Sahara constitute a privileged biotope for
the proliferation and development of a Dipterian
fauna, following the oasis effect of this habitat. The
species in presence, find on the spot a rather
diversified food. Their proliferation in these places is
more consistent with the hypothesis of an
improvement in trophic resources than with the
direct action of climatic factors.
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