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During examination of leaves of different plants on Rusinga Island, Kenya, ticks were commonly found on the leaves of a plant identified as Acalypha fruticosa Forsk. var. villosa Hutch (Euphorbiaceae). Larvae of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus were the predominant ticks encountered, found quiescent on the undersurface of the leaves. Laboratory investigations showed that significant numbers of ticks were attracted by odours from this plant. It was concluded that the leaves of A. fruticosa are attractive to this tick and have potential for use as a trap to control ticks.

A preliminary survey was conducted in coastal Kenya to assess the hosts of economically important tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) of domestic animals, as part of a training course for tick scientists from African research institutions. Ticks were collected from domestic animals in Kilifi and Kwale districts. Eight tick species, namely Ambhjomma variegatum, Boophilus decoloratus, B. micro-plus, R. appendiculatus, R. evertsi evertsi, R. pulchelhis, R. siimts and A. gemma were identified. Further, more comprehensive surveys on the hosts, distribution and ecology of ticks of economic importance are recommended. Resume-Faisant partie d'un stage destine aux scientifiques des institutions africaines de recherche sur les tiques de betail, une enquete preliminaire a ete effectuee sur la cote kenyane pour identifier les hotes des especes de tiques ayant une importance economique chez les animaux domestiques. Les tiques ont ete collectees sur les animaux domestiques dans les districts de Kilifi et Kwale. Huit especes ont ete identifies dont: Ambhjomma variegatum, A. gemma, Boophilus decoloratus, B. microplus, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R. evertsi, R. pulchelhis et R. simus. Des enquetes plus poussees sur les hotes des tiques d'importance economique, leur distribution et leur ecologie sont recommandees.