Community Structure of the Arthropods of Carlsbad Cavern Emphasizing Raphidophoridae of the Genus Ceuthophilus

Author

Diana Northup

Publication Date

10-10-1988

Abstract

Censusing of cave arthropods has been carried out in three areas of Carlsbad Cavern from 1984 to 1987, using pitfall traps. The areas represent a food rich area (Bat Cave, a guano community with high species richness), a food poor area (Sand Passage, an area deep within the cave, with low species richness), and an area with moderate food resources (Left Hand Tunnel, an area near the Underground Lunch Room). Species diversity, as estimated by Hill's N₂, showed that Left Hand Tunnel had values closer to one ( dominance by one species), while Sand Passage and Bat Cave had higher values (indicating more even proportions). Ceuthophilus carlsbadensis dominates in Bat Cave and Left Hand Tunnel, while C. longipes, dominates in Sand Passage. Dissections investigated reproduction and diet and showed that the C. longipes had significantly larger and fewer eggs than did the less cave adapted species, C. carlsbadensis.

Project Sponsors

National Speleological Society; Cave Research Foundation

Language

English

Keywords

cavernicolous rhaphidophorids, species diversity, reproduction, diet, cave arthropods

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Clifford Crawford

Second Committee Member

Manuel Molles

Third Committee Member

Eric Toolson

Recommended Citation

Northup, Diana. "Community Structure of the Arthropods of Carlsbad Cavern Emphasizing Raphidophoridae of the Genus Ceuthophilus." (1988). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biol_etds/335