Ground‐dwelling arthropod responses to succession in a pinyon‐juniper woodland

Ground-dwelling arthropods in pinyon-juniper woodlands exhibit distinct community compositions between early successional and old-growth stages, highlighting their sensitivity to habitat changes. A study at Mesa Verde National Park compared arthropod communities in 300–400-year-old stands with those recovering from a 2002 fire, revealing higher abundance in major groups (except spiders) in early succession but greater species richness in old-growth habitats during late summer. Spatial variability and habitat affiliation were strong indicators of community shifts, with 83% and 91% of species primarily or exclusively found in one stage, respectively. Several strict specialist species were identified, underscoring the ecological significance of preserving old-growth woodlands.

Higgins, J. W., Cobb, N. S., Sommer, S., Delph, R. J., & Brantley, S. L. (2014). Ground‐dwelling arthropod responses to succession in a pinyon‐juniper woodland. Ecosphere, 5(1), 1–29. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1890/es13-00270.1