Use of sleeve nets to improve survival of the Boisduval silkworm, Anaphe panda, in the Kakamega Forest of western Kenya

Published source details Mbahin N., Raina S.K., Kioko E.N. & Mueke J.M. (2010) Use of sleeve nets to improve survival of the Boisduval silkworm, Anaphe panda, in the Kakamega Forest of western Kenya. Journal of Insect Science, 10, 1-10.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Remove, control or exclude native predators Action Link

Remove, control or exclude native predators

A replicated, paired, controlled study in 2005–2007 in two rainforest blocks in western Kenya (Mbahin et al. 2010) found that Boisduval silkworm Anaphe panda eggs and caterpillars protected with a net had a higher survival rate than unprotected caterpillars. More silkworm egg clusters survived to pupation when they were protected with a net (114/126 clusters, 90%) than when they were unprotected (66/95 clusters, 69%). The survival of individual caterpillars through to pupation was higher when their egg cluster was protected with a net (16,645/25,571 caterpillars, 65%) than when it was unprotected (6,068/32,411 caterpillars, 19%). In 2005–2007, across one 380-ha natural forest containing only native trees, and one 415-ha modified forest containing native and non-native trees, 150 mitzeeri Bridelia micrantha trees with ≥2 silkworm egg clusters were chosen. On each tree, one egg cluster was covered with a 1.5 × 1.5 × 2-m net sleeve tied closed on the branches, one egg cluster was left uncovered, and any additional egg clusters were removed. Protected caterpillars were moved to new branches of the same tree 2–3 times during development to maintain their food supply. From June 2005–June 2007, the number of surviving caterpillars in each cluster was counted twice/week. Only groups where some individuals survived to pupation were included in the analysis of individual survival.

(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)