Arthropod Diversity in Contrasting Ontario Peatlands
Abstract
Peatlands are important wetland systems, but dominant macroarthropod groups endemic to peatlands and the environmental factors that affect them are poorly represented in the literature. I examined the richness, abundance, and community composition of soil and surface dwelling macroarthropods using emergence traps, peat sorting, and pitfall traps in two Ontario fens differing in water table, nutrient level, and vegetation. I found 218 arthropod morphospecies, with each site having a similar richness of emergent arthropods, but patterns of community composition differed between the two sites. The Carex (sedge) dominated site had twice as many emergent individuals, and total abundances declined dramatically over the growing season, whereas the Sphagnum (moss) dominated site had consistent arthropod abundances. Seasonal change in soil moisture was a significant correlate of arthropod abundance. Since Canadian peatlands face increasing climate warming, this study provides baseline information on the resident macroarthropod communities in different peatland types.