Research Papers/Topics in Zoology

The natural history of Myrmarachne melanotarsa, a social ant-mimicking jumping spider

Abstract: Myrmarachne melanotarsa, an ant-like jumping spider (Salticidae) from East Africa, is an accurate mimic of Crematogaster sp. and associates unusually closely with its models. M. melanotarsa is remarkable in that it forms dense aggregations and builds large nest complexes (numerous individuallyoccupied nests connected to each other by silk).Other salticids (Pseudicius spp., Menemerus spp.) live with M. melanotarsa in the same nest complex.These aggregations, which can exceed 50 cons...

Observations of Portia africana, an araneophagic jumping spider, living together and sharing prey

Abstract: Instances are documented of finding individuals of Portia africana in the field living aggregated in the webs of other spiders, in the nest complexes of other salticids, around solitary nests of other salticids, and around the nests of oecobiid spiders. Aggregation members included all active juvenile stages of P. africana, as well as adult males and females. More than one individual of P. africana sometimes fed on the same prey. Small juveniles of P. africana were more often than ...

Arboviruses and blood-meal sources in zoophilic mosquitoes at human-wildlife interfaces in Kenya.

Abstract: Background: Zoophilic mosquitoes play an important role in the transmission of arboviruses of medical importance at human-wildlife interfaces, yet arbovirus surveillance efforts have been focused mostly on anthropophilic mosquitoes. Understanding the diversity of zoophilic mosquitoes and their associated feeding patterns and arboviruses can inform better vector control strategies. Materials and Methods: We morphologically identified mosquitoes collected from two game reserves in Ke...

A Review of African Blastobasinae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Coleophoridae), with New Taxa Reared from Native Fruits in Kenya

Abstract: Adamski, David, Robert S. Copeland, Scott E. Miller, Paul D. N. Hebert, Karolyn Darrow, and Quentin Luke. A Review of African Blastobasinae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Coleophoridae), with New Taxa Reared from Native Fruits in Kenya. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 630, vi + 68 pages, 62 figures, 13 maps, 2 tables, 2010. — Twenty-five species of African Blastobasinae (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) are reviewed; 12 species are redescribed, and 13 species are described a...

The Population Dynamics of the Cassava Green Spider Mite, Mononychellus Tabajoa 9Bondar) (Acarina : Tetranychidae) in Relation to its Predators and Environmental Factor in Western Kenya

Description: A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Zoology, Kenyatta University.

Vector potential of Aedes (Stegomyia) spp. populations and risk of dengue and yellow fever virus transmission in three Kenyan cities

Abstract: Dengue (DENV) and Yellow fever (YFV) viruses are medically important flaviviruses that are transmitted by Aedes mosquito vectors of the subgenus Stegomyia especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes bromeliae, respectively, in East Africa.Urbanization has been identified as a major driver in the emergence of these diseases because of the permissive environment it creates promoting the convergence of susceptible human hosts and local vectors. However, while dengue outbreaks have mainly been ...

Studies on Native Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) for Biocontrol of Selected Lepidopteran Pests in Kenya

Abstract: Trichogramma species parasitise eggs of Lepidoptera and have been extensively used in augmentative biological control. Studies were conducted during 1997-2001 on the native egg parasitoids occurring in Kenya. The objectives of the study were (i) to identify the native egg parasitoids that attack Helicoverpa armigera and Plutella xylostella, (ii) to study the conventional and molecular taxonomy of the native Trichogramma species, (iii) to evaluate the response of two native Trichogr...

Bio-ecological studies of Amaranth’s Lepidopteran Defoliators and Development of IPM Technologies for their Management

Abstract: One of the most important and largely consumed African Indigenous Vegetables (AIV) is amaranth. It is known to have a high nutritional value, agronomical assets and economic attributes. Amaranth production is however constrained by numerous biotic factors such as insect pests, occurring as a complex of species among which lepidopteran defoliators are found to be the most destructive. Investigations on their bio-ecological and control options were conducted. Field experiments were c...

Induction of Resistance to Rhipicephalus Appendiculatus Neumann in New Zealand White Rabbits through Immunisation with Commercial Moulting Hormones and Tick-Derived Haemolymph

Abstract: This study was conducted to assess the possibility of immunising rabbits against Rhipicephalus appendicuatu Neumann, the vector for East Coast fever and Corridor disease, the most important tick-borne diseases in East and Central Africa. The antigens whose efficacy in the control of this vector were assessed included commercially available insect moulting hormone, beta-ecdysone and tick haemolymph components. However, since antibodies play a major role in the acquisition of tick re...

One Health approach to vector biology and epidemiology of arboviruses, Rickettsia,and protozoain smallholder livestock systems in western Kenya

Abstract: Background:Vector-borne pathogens (VBP) present a seriousthreat to both animal and humanhealth globally due to their zoonotic potential.‘One Health’ epidemio-surveillance systems that integrate human, animal, and arthropod vector facetsof VBP transmission enhance detection and can give rise to informed effective multi-sectoral vector-borne disease control options. The most important vectors are ticks and mosquitoes, which have a cosmopolitan distribution due to their ecological...

Molecular Phylogenetics and Phylogeography of sand lizards, Pedioplanis (Sauria: Lacertidae) in southern Africa

Abstract: The present study aims to determine the phylogenetic relationships among the sand lizards, Pedioplanis. In addition, a single mitochondrial gene is used to investigate the geographic genetic structure of the widey distributed P. burchelli. With 11 species, Pedioplanis is the most speciose genus among the southern African genera of the family Lacertidae. All the species are restricted to the subcontinent with the exception of three (P. namaquensis, P. undata and P. benguellensis), w...

Lectin Expression Associated with Plasmodium Infections in Anopheles

Abstract: The variation of the mannose-binding protein (MBP) gene and the role of lectins during infection in mosquitoes were investigated using genomic DNA approach based on sequencing of the gene and the levels of its expression determined using semi-quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) approach. Using shotgun cloning ~trategy, sequences were determined from cloned PCR products obtained from genomic DNA of An.gambiae, s.s, An. arabiensis and An. funestus an...

Effect of Controphic Species on Natural Population Dynamics of Malaria Mosquito larvae on Rusinga Island

Abstract: Controphic species are organisms that share the same trophic levels within an ecosystem.Ecological theory and empirical research show that controphic species affect mosquito larval populations through predation or competition. The goal of this study was to identify controphic species that may serve as potential biological control agents for malaria mosquito larvae. A baseline survey of the abundance and diversity of malaria mosquito larvae (target species) and assemblages of their ...

Effects of Larval Age at Grafting and Supplemental Feeding on Morphometrics and Oviposition in Honeybee Queen (Apis mellifera scutellata, Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Karura Forest, Kenya

Abstract: In Africa, honeybees provide critical pollination services, nutrition and income for smallholder farmers. However, because of pests and pathogens honeybees are under threat of population decline. Moreover, lack of adequate research on the existing queen rearing technologies has led to decline in honeybee queen quality. The honeybee queen is the repository of a colony’s heritable genetic traits, its superiority determines the productivity and resilience of the colony. Effects of f...

Interspecific Competition Between Xanthopimpla Stemmtaor Thunberg and Dentichasmias Busseolae Heinrich (Hymenoptera: Inchneumonidae) pupal Parasitoids of Chilo Partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera:

Abstract: Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an exotic cereal stem borer that was accidentally introduced into Africa from South Eastern Asia early 20th century. It is now widespread in most of the lowland areas of the Eeastern and Southern parts of the African continent. The invasive stem borer C. partellus, has proved to be a highly competitive colonizer in many of the areas it has invaded in eastern and southern Africa, often becoming the most serious stem borer.


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