Insects Inhabiting the Burrows of the Ozark Pocket Gopher in Arkansas

Authors

Peter W. Kovarik, Columbus State Community CollegeFollow
Stephen W. Chordas III, The Ohio State UniversityFollow
H. Robison, Southern Arkansas UniversityFollow
P. Skelley, Florida State Collection of Arthropods
M. Connior, Arkansas State UniversityFollow
J. Fiene, Arkansas State University
G. Heidt, University of Arkansas at Little RockFollow

Abstract

Pocket gopher burrows provide a stable environment for a variety of inquilines; hence this mammal is regarded as a keystone species. Most of the arthropods inhabiting pocket gopher burrows are restricted to this microhabitat. As part of a planned state-wide biotic survey of insects inhabiting this unusual microhabitat, we have focused our initial sampling efforts on the Ozark pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius ozarkensis; Geomyidae). In 2004 and 2005, pitfall traps were established in pocket gopher burrows and in 2007 and 2008, nests and associated chambers were excavated. Retrieved samples contained scarab, histerid, and rove beetles, cave crickets and anthomyiid flies. The histerids consisted of five species, one of which is undescribed, and all of which are new state records. A total of five species of scarab beetles were collected and all of these represent new state records. Two species of cave crickets were collected; one appears to be undescribed, and the other is essentially a Great Plains species and represents a considerable range extension. Both crickets are new to Arkansas.

Recommended Citation

Kovarik, Peter W.; Chordas, Stephen W. III; Robison, H.; Skelley, P.; Connior, M.; Fiene, J.; and Heidt, G. (2008) "Insects Inhabiting the Burrows of the Ozark Pocket Gopher in Arkansas," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 62, Article 12.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol62/iss1/12