Abstract: The termite alates of Pseudocanthotermes grandiceps are eaten as a substitute dietary element in Kenya. Artificial inducement of the alates was evaluated based on a traditional method that has been used for decades. The idea is to imitate the natural weather conditions required by swarming alates. In natural situations, the most conducive weather is when rain is accompanied by thunderstorms and then stops for at least 2days with intervals of clear and sunny skies. Such weather conditions stimulate the emergence of alates during day time. In artificial situation, producing the sound of rain to strengthen the impression of rain was found to work with Pseudocanthotermes species. Through field manipulation of weather conditions, the alates of P. grandiceps responded to external changes and were harvested for consumption by local community. The following weather conditions were found necessary in stimulating nest activities and emergence of alates: a) hot and dry weather for a week prior to artificial inducement; b) sunny and hot afternoon at time of swarming. The time taken from the onset of the experiment to the end of swarming was approximately 8 hours. The artificial inducement of alates was found to be effective, seasonal and limited only to the genus Pseudocanthotermes.
Keywords: Pseudocanthotermes, artificial, inducement, termite alates, weather, swarming.
Title: SWARMING INDUCEMENT OF Pseudocantotermes grandiceps ALATES IN RESPONSE TO FOOD SECURITY IN KENYA
Author: JACOB N. MAKILA, ROBERT W NYUKURI, ALBERT W.MWONGULA
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
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