An arthropod assessment within selected areas of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve: Final report

Author:

Howarth, Francis G., Brenner, Gregory J., Preston, David J.

Title:

An arthropod assessment within selected areas of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve: Final report

Year:

1999

Pages:

59 p.

Subject:

Wekiu bug Nysius wekiuicola Mauna Kea Science Reserve

Summary:

A reconnaissance survey was performed on foot to identify promising Wekiu bug habitats with the buffer areas of Mauna Kea Science Reserve. Two substrates were specifically assessed: "Type 2" (tephra ridges and slopes; specifically scoria of lapilli deposits) and "Type 5" (Talus slopes and highly fractured rock outcrops). The survey relied on visual inspection of selected substrates along transects to and including the more accessible scoria cones. Factors that might affect the suitability of these substrates as Wekiu bug habitat were also noted and include slope, size of the area covered, pore size and openness of the interstitial spaces, moisture regime, presence of other animals, aeolian food resources, altitude, and weather. In spite of the relatively dry weather, moisture was present at most sites, especially within the sandy ash layers. No Wekiu bugs were observed during this phase, and where they hide during drought remains a mystery. Lycosid wolf spiders and noctuid moths were relatively common, as were unidentified linyphiid spiders. Other resident species are more cryptic and are unlikely to be observed during a visual reconnaissance survey. It is recommended that the Wekiu bug assessment of the selected buffer zone habitats be conducted during the period of snowmelt when the bugs are likely to be maximally active. Also, if the survey is done contemporaneously with the Wekiu bug population study at the summit, better comparisons can be made on the presence and activity of the bug and other species in different areas on Mauna Kea.

URL:

http://www.statpros.com/Publications/MK_Report.pdf

Collection:

Monographs