University
Shawnee State University
Major
General Biology
Presentation Types
Oral Presentation (Live)
Keywords:
entomology, species diversity, arthropods
Abstract
With a landscape, each plant species serves as the basis of a unique trophic cascade brought about through coevolution. Even plants having little instrumental value provide habitat space, protection, and food resources for a host of fauna. One such plant species is Verbesina alternifolia, or wingstem. We investigated the arthropod assemblages associated with blooming V. alternfolia along forest ecotones in 2020. Sweep net samples were collected from 50 stems at each of three locations, namely Shawnee State Forest, Hanging Rock Nature Preserve, and Pike Lake State Park, in southern Ohio. Collection efforts yielded more than 600 specimens. Arthropods were preserved and are being identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Preliminary findings indicate that blooming V. alternfolia supports a rich arthropod trophic cascade with multiple species found across all collection locations. Once all taxonomic identifications are completed, Simpson’s diversity index will be use to statistically compare diversity among sites.
Human and Animal Subjects
no
IRB or IACUC Approval
no
Faculty Mentor Name
Sarah Minter
Faculty Mentor Title
Associate Professor of Biology
Faculty Mentor Department
Natural Sciences
Recommended Citation
Haller, Angel, "An Investigation of Arthropod Assemblages on Flowering Wingstem" (2021). Celebration of Scholarship. 4.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2021/day5/4
An Investigation of Arthropod Assemblages on Flowering Wingstem
With a landscape, each plant species serves as the basis of a unique trophic cascade brought about through coevolution. Even plants having little instrumental value provide habitat space, protection, and food resources for a host of fauna. One such plant species is Verbesina alternifolia, or wingstem. We investigated the arthropod assemblages associated with blooming V. alternfolia along forest ecotones in 2020. Sweep net samples were collected from 50 stems at each of three locations, namely Shawnee State Forest, Hanging Rock Nature Preserve, and Pike Lake State Park, in southern Ohio. Collection efforts yielded more than 600 specimens. Arthropods were preserved and are being identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Preliminary findings indicate that blooming V. alternfolia supports a rich arthropod trophic cascade with multiple species found across all collection locations. Once all taxonomic identifications are completed, Simpson’s diversity index will be use to statistically compare diversity among sites.
