| The community structure and diel activity
patterns of peridomestic Stomoxyinae at two locations in Nairobi and its
outskirts (Chiromo and Ruiru) were studied using Nzi traps baited with
octenol. Six species of Stomoxys (S. calcitrans, S. niger niger,
S. n. bilineatus, S. inornatus, S. taeniatus, S. varipes) and three
other Stomoxyinae genera (Haematobosca, Stygeromyia, Parastomoxys)
were caught. At Chiromo, species diversity (H') varied from 0.29 to 0.65 and
evenness from 0.59 to 0.83, whereas at Ruiru, diversity varied from 0.0 to
0.38 and evenness from 0.0 to 0.46. Diurnal activity both S. calcitrans
and S. n. niger was bimodal, with a small peak of activity in the
morning (08001100 hrs) and a major peak in the evening (17001800 hrs). Both
species showed a midday depression in activity. The activity of S.
inornatus rose steadily throughout the day with only a slight midday
depression. These results are discussed with respect to results of similar
studies in a natural, undisturbed habitat. |