Observations on seasonal variation in desert arthropods in central Nevada

Authors

Robert D. Pietruszka, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Abstract

Pitfall and Malaise trap collections from terrestrial arthropod populations in central Nevada were analyzed for four trapping periods during the 1978 growing season. Mites (Acarina) and ants (Formicidae) were the taxa represented by the largest numbers of individuals in pitfall trap collections throughout the season; Malaise collections were composed mainly of aerial taxa (largely Diptera and Hymenoptera). Peak arthropod abundance was recorded during mid-June. Collection diversities for both trapping methods were generally low due to the abundance of a few taxa. Evidence for spatial heterogeneity in arthropod populations was meager; temporal heterogeneity in these populations, however, was more apparent.

Recommended Citation

Pietruszka, Robert D. (1980) "Observations on seasonal variation in desert arthropods in central Nevada," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 40: No. 3, Article 12.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol40/iss3/12