Date: 3/30/99

Time: 11:35

Type: Symposium

Number: 111

Fauna overwintering in or on stems of Wisconsin prairie forbs

*A.H. Williams, Entomology Department , University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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Stems of 20 species of Wisconsin prairie forbs were collected in autumn, stripped of leaves and inflorescences, cut into lengths to fit sterile containers, and overwintered outdoors. In late winter, these were brought indoors and tightly caged. The fauna appearing in these containers were collected. Determination of these specimens continues, but the diversity of class, order, and family, of life stage, and of life history indicate how much biodiversity (and corresponding ecological roles) can be found overwintering in this situation. Prairie management tools, notably fire in autumn, winter or spring, may directly compromise this rich biodiversity, suggesting the prudence of moderation of our application of any management tool in the contexts of space and time.

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