Potential contribution of respiration by Anabrus simplex (Mormon crickets) to net CO₂ exchange in three Great Basin ecosystems

Authors

A. Joshua Leffler, Utah State University, Logan
Michael S. Peek, Utah State University, Logan
Larry Hipps, Utah State University, Logan
Sasha Ivans, Utah State University, Logan
Ronald J. Ryel, Utah State University, Logan
Martyn M. Caldwell, Utah State University, Logan

Abstract

Disturbance events can significantly influence net CO₂ exchange (NCE) in ecosystems. High densities of Anabrus simplex (Mormon crickets) periodically afflict large areas of the western USA; their sheer numbers could make them a significant source of CO₂. We modeled cricket respiration at the ecosystem level using air and body temperatures and insect gas exchange measurements. Cricket CO₂ efflux values were compared to ecosystem CO₂ flux from eddy covariance measurements in 3 Great Basin ecosystems: a juniper woodland, a sagebrush shrubland, and a crested wheatgrass pasture. Mean respiration from Mormon crickets was 0.96 g CO₂ · m⁻²d⁻¹. Since Mormon crickets are present when NCE is otherwise near 0, they can potentially alter NCE between 20% (juniper woodland) and 60% (crested wheatgrass pasture). Transient pests such as Mormon crickets can be an important component of NCE.

Recommended Citation

Leffler, A. Joshua; Peek, Michael S.; Hipps, Larry; Ivans, Sasha; Ryel, Ronald J.; and Caldwell, Martyn M. (2007) "Potential contribution of respiration by Anabrus simplex (Mormon crickets) to net CO₂ exchange in three Great Basin ecosystems," Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 67: No. 1, Article 15.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol67/iss1/15