Arthropods are the most diverse group of animals on Earth. This is because they include insects such as spiders, beetles, and other small critters. These organisms are found in nearly every type of habitat, ranging from forests and grasslands to urban sidewalks and school campuses. They play important ecological roles in decomposition, pollination, pest control, and as a food source for other animals. Due to arthropods sensitivity to changes in their environment, they are often used as indicators of environmental health.
While much research has been done on arthropods in natural environments, less is known about how they function in urban areas where human activity, pollution, and industrial development may affect biodiversity (Liaqat et al., 2023). Some studies have revealed that urban areas tend to have fewer native arthropod species and more non-native or invasive ones. However, few urban green spaces like parks can still support high biodiversity if they offer enough shelter (Petersen et al., 2020).
Thus, this project focuses on comparing arthropod biodiversity across different types of habitats, such as natural areas and urban zones with varying amounts of human activity/presence. By observing which species are present and how many of them are native versus non-native, we can start to understand how habitat type influences arthropod diversity. We are also interested in whether some arthropods have more noticeable impacts in certain environments-like controlling pests or aiding pollination-and whether their presence can reflect specific biodiversity conditions.
During our investigation, we expect to observe a variety of arthropods such as spiders, beetles, or even butterflies.
By studying the types, abundance, and roles of these arthropods, we aim to understand how biodiversity varies with habitat type and what that might reveal about the health of each environment.
A good question to keep in mind when preparing for data collection and management is...
Q: Which arthropods are found commonly in multiple habitats?
A: The following are most representative of commonly occurring species;
-Red Milkweed Beetles
-Leafhoppers
-Honey Bees
-Bumble Bees
-Common Whitetails
-Small Whites
-Harvestmen
-Orbweavers
-Ants
-Isopods
-Crickets
This is just a short list of some diverse examples throughout previously explored areas
(e.g: Walking Stick Woods, Eugene Park, and North Park Village Nature Center) the majority of these arthropod are drawn to the native grasses, flowers, and foliage located within each area. For example, Milkweed is located in each natural area, enabling the versatile Red Milkweed Beetle to be widespread, as well as hosting butterflies and other milkweed beetles. Some are drawn solely to flowers and their pollen- such as the Honey Bees & Bumble Bees.
On the other hand, bugs like Common Whitetails & Damselflies frequent marshy areas because of their dependence on water throughout their life cycle. Moreover, arachnids like Harvestmen and Orbweavers are located all over the place- tree trunks, branches, leaves, the ground, flowers, stems, webs, etc.
Additionally, as of writing this, treehoppers have been found in every environment that has been searched, wherever there were leaves, there were treehoppers. A similar statement can be made about the Isopod, a detritivore, where there is decaying plant matter, or a crumbling log- Isopods are sure to be found.
Ants have the most overwhelming presence in each location, they can be found alongside any of the aforementioned arthropods, as well as by themselves or in colonies. Whether that be crawling on a tree, a flower, the ground, etc.