Investigation of Soil Dwelling Invertebrates

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Investigation of Soil Dwelling Invertebrates

• By
• Cicely Williams
• Sara Trombetti

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Getting Started-selection of decomposer
communities-

• Leaf Litter-any stagnant collection of moist
  leaves

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Getting Started-selection of decomposer
communities-

• Compost Pile- Made up of decomposed plant and
  organic material

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Getting Started-selection of decomposer
communities-

• Soil Mulch- An accumulation of moist soil with
  partially decomposed organic material

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Weather Permitting

• Since the season was so dry we found collection
  after rain yielded greater numbers of insects.
• Collection was also higher during cool
  temperatures.

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The Experiment
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Materials Used in Collection

• Berlese Funnel
• Collection Jar
• Funnel
• Wire Screen
• 40 Watt bulb
• Ethanol

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Techniques for Collection

• Funnel was set up in a safe location to prevent
  disturbances.
• Litter was collected from various sites and added
  to funnel.
• An inch of ethyl alcohol was added to collection
  jar as a preservative.
• 40 watt bulb was placed two inches above funnel.
• The contraption was allowed to sit for two days.

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Materials Used for Identification

• Tweezers
• Collection Dish
• Dissecting Microscope
• Slides
• Filter Paper
• Kwik-Key to Soil Dwelling Invertebrates

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Techniques for Identification

• Insects were filtered onto funnel paper to dry.
• Careful examination of insects under dissection
  microscope.
• Step by step identification using the Kwik-Key to
  Soil Dwelling Invertebrates.
• Observations were recorded.

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Results
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Pictures of Some Collected Insects
Class Chilopoda- Centipede
Order Mecoptera-Scorpion Fly
Order Demaptera-Earwig
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Pictures of Some Collected Insects
Order Hymenoptera-Ants
Order Isoptera-Termites
Order Acarina-Ticks Mites
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Observations

• There was a moisture level drop in the funnel
  over the two day incubation period.
• Most insects collected were tiny due to the small
  holes in the screen.
• The insects showed an affinity toward moisture.
• Highest yield of insects was collected from the
  compost site.
• Very diverse community of invertebrates.

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Conclusions

• The high yield of insects from the compost pile
  was most likely due to the internal environment.
  A compost pile produces its own warmth and holds
  moisture in creating a prime habitat for the
  insects.
• Reiterate the importance of moisture for insect
  survival.
• Insect community is vital as decomposers in the
  food chain.
• The Diversity of the insects is Amazing.

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THE END