A technique for the collection and study of subterranean invertebrates

TitleA technique for the collection and study of subterranean invertebrates
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1988
AuthorsHooker, KL, Whiles, MR
JournalThe Southwestern Naturalist
Volume33
Pagination375 -376
Accession NumberKNZ00185
Abstract

The study of invertebrate communities in ground, well, or cave water is hampered due to the difficulty of observing them in their native habitat. Many collection techniques are destructive and do not give a true indication of actual populations. We have found that the header box of an artificial stream system will serve successfully as an artificial "cave" for the collection and study of subterranean invertebrates. Using this technique, we were able to collect two species of aquatic invertebrates previously unknown to Konza Prairie