A survey of phlebotomine sandflies was carried out in northern Nigeria to determine the distribution of Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) duboscqi which is suspected to be the vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in West Africa. P.(P.) duboscqi was found to be confined to the very dry areas of the Sudan savanna vegetation zone, where it utilizes termite hills as the main breeding habitats in association with rodents and lizards. Rock hyrax were located in some adjacent rocky areas. The restricted distribution range includes locations where cutaneous leishmaniasis has been recorded in Nigeria.
