Four Biodiversity Assessments of Lolldaiga Hills Ranch by the National Museums of Kenya (2014)

Abstract

This preliminary survey of the insects of Lolldaiga Hills Ranch was conducted between 30 October and 3 November 2014. Six sites representing distinct habitat types were surveyed. These included euphorbia thicket, grassland, Acacia drepanolobium woodland, rocky outcrop, marshy ground, riverine forest, and red cedar and olive forest. Three colours of pan traps, sweep netting, and ground searching techniqueswere used to survey invertebrates. Of the three orders of insects that have been processed, the Lepidoptera had 21 species from four families, while Hymenoptera and Coleoptera each had 12 species from three and six families, respectively. Among the Lepidoptera, the Pieridae had the highest number of species (8) while Nymphalidae had the smallest number (2). At 55%, dipterans were the most abundant of the pollinators followed by hymenopterans (35%). Yellow was the most visited pan trap colour at 58%, followed by white (24%), then blue (18%). All pollinator groups visited yellow traps as their preferred colour, while Coleopterans mostly visited white traps. The four pollinator groups, however, visited all colours. Given its relevance in biodiversity conservation and land use management, biodiversity inventories should be carried on in both dry and wet seasons.