Detection of the predators of Simulium damnosum by the precipitin test.

Saline cell free extracts of larvae of the Simulium damnosum complex were used to immunize rabbits for the production of damnosum-antisera. Injections into the lymph nodes produced a more specific antiserum than was obtained by intramuscular injection followed by absorption. This antiserum was used to identify by the precipitin test natural predators of S. damnosum collected from the bandama River in the Ivory Coast. Various trichopteran larvae and odonatan nymphs and adults were found to be the most important predators.