Habitat Preference and Distribution of Crickets (Orthoptera; Gryllidae) in Western Kenya

Information for identifying biodiversity hotspots species conservation involves the estimation of abundance, distribution and habitat preference. Adult crickets were sampled from four Agro ecological zones (AEZ) in Western Kenya during months June 2020 to January 2021 identified morphologically. Thirteen descriptive variables associated with topography, water, greenness, used create a model. Akaike information criteria (AIC) was applied estimate preference each cricket species. A total 3535 recovered, comprising 3335 insects belonging 6 200 others. Gryllus bimaculatus had highest relative abundance 28.43% while Brachytrupes membranaceus recorded least 4.67%. The diversity indices showed that natural vegetation index (H’= 0.361) dorminance (D = 0.194). Areas human settlement dominance 0.231) (d 0.010) respectively. results indicate can be classified into three groups, Group I ( Acheta domesticus , Diestrammena asynamora ) which preferred areas near settlement, II Scapsipedus icipe fields grasses III Gryllotalpa africana wet lands. This study concludes most habitats are vegetation, water bodies, having high shelter density away settlement. Conservation management targeting this edible insect should form part integrated measures focusing especially on hotspots. Keywords: Abundance, Crickets, Diversity, Distribution, Habitat DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-6-04 Publication date: March 31 st 2022