The daily activity of Psychodopygus intermedius was measured for the first time, within and outside of a residual forest in the Ribeira Valley, S. Paulo State, Brazil. The results showed nocturnal activity in both environments, with different times of maximum activity occuring between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. However, the most intense activity continued to take place outside the forest. A strong preference for humans seems to have contributed to Ps. intermedius' ubiquitous distribution. The importance of this fact lies in the possibility of there existing a close feeding association Ps. intermedius - Man. Hence cutaneous leishmaniasis infection may take place in the household environment.
Leishmaniasis, micocutaneous; Psychodopygus intermedius; Ecology
