Biomass, density, and nutrient content of plant arthropods in the taiga of Alaska

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Forest Research
• Main Author: Werner, Richard A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1983
• Subjects: Ecology; Forestry; Global and Planetary Change; taiga; Alaska
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/x83-103; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/x83-103

Arthropod composition was similar in six vegetation types in a taiga ecosystem of Alaska. Four taxonomic classes representing 94 arthropod families were found at the herb, shrub, and tree levels of aspen (Populustremuloides Michx.), paper birch (Betulapapyrifera Marsh.), balsam poplar (Populusbalsamifera L.), white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss), and black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) vegetation types. Of all vegetation types, ground herbs contained the highest density of arthropods. Black spruce types had the highest arthropod densities at the tree level but the lowest diversity of species. Populations of arthropods were highest during June and July in hardwood types and during July and August in spruce types. Concentrations of sodium and magnesium increased as trophic levels increased; highest concentrations were in arthropod predators. Concentrations of potassium and calcium increased from the herbivore to the saprovore level. Annual element budgets for sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium are discussed.