Kentucky State University
Ground Dwelling Arthropods Associated with Newly Established Native Perennial and Pasture Border Rows in Franklin County, Kentucky
Institution
Kentucky State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
John D. Sedlacek; Karen Friley
Abstract
Pitfall traps were set in native perennial and pasture border rows to determine abundance of ground dwelling arthropods in each community type. This study was conducted at the Kentucky State University Research and Demonstration Farm in Franklin County, KY. Pitfall traps were deployed weekly for four weeks. Traps were reset and the samples were returned to the laboratory for identification and enumeration of all taxa. All arthropods were identified to order, and family when possible. Specimens were grouped into the ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), miscellaneous beetles (Coleoptera), ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and spiders (Arachnida). The total number of arthropods caught in pasture border rows was greater than native perennial border rows. There were a greater number of ground beetles, rove beetles, ants and spiders in the pasture border rows. However, there were a greater number of miscellaneous beetles and crickets in the native perennial border rows. Results will be discussed within the context of ground cover during this time of year.
Ground Dwelling Arthropods Associated with Newly Established Native Perennial and Pasture Border Rows in Franklin County, Kentucky
Pitfall traps were set in native perennial and pasture border rows to determine abundance of ground dwelling arthropods in each community type. This study was conducted at the Kentucky State University Research and Demonstration Farm in Franklin County, KY. Pitfall traps were deployed weekly for four weeks. Traps were reset and the samples were returned to the laboratory for identification and enumeration of all taxa. All arthropods were identified to order, and family when possible. Specimens were grouped into the ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), miscellaneous beetles (Coleoptera), ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and spiders (Arachnida). The total number of arthropods caught in pasture border rows was greater than native perennial border rows. There were a greater number of ground beetles, rove beetles, ants and spiders in the pasture border rows. However, there were a greater number of miscellaneous beetles and crickets in the native perennial border rows. Results will be discussed within the context of ground cover during this time of year.