Diversity and Abundance of Selected Biting Flies in a Peridomestic and Natural Habitats, and Their Potential as a Protein Source for Feed in Kibwezi West Subcounty, Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

Biting flies are a diverse assemblage of blood-sucking flies that are important vectors of human, livestock and wildlife diseases. They may be found in domestic or peridomestic habitats, where they are associated with humans and livestock, as well as in natural habitats away from human habitation. A study was carried out to determine the diversity and abundance of biting flies in a peridomestic and a natural habitat in Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya. Nutritional profiles of these flies were also assessed to determine their potential as sources of protein. Wild biting flies were caught from a natural habitat (Kibwezi forest) and a peridomestic habitat (Woni farm) during a dry season and a wet season using four commonly used traps (Nzi, Ngu, Pyramidal and Biconical). Performance of the traps was assessed in replicated 4x4 Latin Square experiments. Proximate analysis was done on fly species caught in the highest numbers (Glossina pallidipes), to determine its potential as cheap source of proteins for feed. Trap catches varied significantly among the traps with the highest catch recorded in Nzi trap (3,235) and the lowest in Pyramidal trap (959). However, Pyramidal trap recorded the least diverse catch with 14 taxa and a Shannon diversity index of Hʹ= 0.66. Among the insect species collected, Nzi trap recorded the highest number of G. pallidipes (26,552 individuals). Habitat type significantly affected insect community (F1, 3=15.2786; p=0.005). There was no evidence of effect of Season (F1, 3=01.66; p=0.225) and trap type (F1, 3=00.496; p=00.75) on insect community. Diversity and abundance of insect species collected varied among seasons both in peridomestic and natural habitat. Nutrient contents (protein, fat, moisture, fibre) varied among the groups of insects tested (biting flies and moths/ butterflies). Protein content of biting flies was 63.02% higher that of Omena (Rastrineobola argentea) which varies between 19.1 and 21.7% while moths/butterflies had 63.29%. The high protein content among other nutrients observed in biting flies and lepidopterans during this study suggests that they can be used as an alternative protein source in fish and chicken feed.