Harvard Forest Research

Interactions between Bog Arthropod Predators

Principal Investigator: Clarisse Hart
Harvard Forest: Jun 08 2009 - Aug 07 2009:

Abstract:
Data from a previous REU project show that the removal of web-weaving spiders from bog plots results in a sharp decline in the presence/activity of ants (as measured by pitfall traps). This experiment will further explore the potential mechanisms of intra-guild predation and interspecific competition between hunting spiders, web spiders, ants, and pitcher plants in bogs.

Eight 10-gallon tanks will be established in the Shaler greenhouse and stocked with sphagnum moss and ant nests (one per tank) from Tom Swamp, to replicate the bog environment. There will also be one pitcher plant and one pitfall trap per tank. Spiders will be introduced to the tanks, first individually, then in groups, creating a predation regime to which the ants will respond. The behavior of both the ants and the spiders will be monitored and recorded on a set schedule each day. The contents of the pitfall traps and pitcher plants will be extracted twice weekly to measure ant activity.
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