Influence of annual flooding on terrestrial arthropod assemblages of a Rio Grande riparian forest

摘要: Terrestrial arthropod communities remain poorly described for riparian ecosystems of the arid southwestern United States, and effects extensive river regulation habitat alteration on these potentially important invertebrates are largely unknown. Beginning in 1991, surface-active arthropods were trapped at two sites along Rio Grande, central New Mexico, 2 years. One site was then experimentally flooded from mid-May to mid-June each next 3 years simulate historic, low intensity flooding, after which collections continued. These primary sites, located outside riverside levee, isolated flooding about 50 prior experiment, compared with a naturally second non-flooded reference. Experimental observations indicated that did not affect total taxonomic richness, nor richness spiders, beetles or ants. However, may have slightly increased number carabid beetle taxa present. Flooding altered overall composition all taxa, insects, beetles. Spider be insensitive while ant responses clear. Abundance terrestrial isopods spiders decreased abundance change. crickets increased, but response delayed until flood. Changes experimental generally consistent community structure observed nearby site. This similarity suggests reorganization follow restoration this ecosystem. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.