Guano arthropod assemblages in caves of Mabini, Pangasinan (Philippines)

Issue Date

6-2019

Abstract

This study documented the guano arthropod communities inside Cacupangan, Timori, Santo Rosario and Cabalyorisa Caves in Mabini, Pangasinan in terms of taxonomic composition, density, and distribution within guano deposits. Several types of guano with their unique assemblages of associated arthropods were observed. Even the same type of guano supported different assemblages in different caves. A total of 42 morphospecies belonging to at least six classes were recorded, including three possible new cave-restricted species – a tarantula from Timori Cave (Orphnaecus sp.), and a troglomorphic millipede found in all four caves (Haplodesmidae). Swiftlet guano deposits were found to contain more arthropod taxa than bat guano. It was also found that the abundance of arthropods decreased with guano depth, but taxon richness did not significantly differ with depth.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

33

Issue

1

Page

11-29

Document Type

Article

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

Illustrations; tables; references

Language

English

Subject

Caves--Pangasinan

En – AGROVOC descriptors

GUANO; ARTHROPODA; CAVERNICOLOUS SPECIES; TAXA; EXCRETA; TAXONOMY; CAVES; DENSITY; PHILIPPINES

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