BIO

My name is Madison Karram, and I am a senior undergraduate student here at Florida State University majoring in Biology and Psychology, with a minor in Chemistry. I currently do ecology and evolution research through WIMSE's Research Experience Program and the Honors in the Major Program in Dr. Joseph Travis's Lab. My current project investigates terrestrial isopod population growth in the presence of another soil microarthropod, but my research interests lie broadly in species interactions, microbe interactions, and population ecology. I will be continuing my academic career in the coming Fall at the University of Virginia's Biology PhD program.

The Effect of Springtail (Collembola sp.) Presence on Isopod (P. laevis) Colony Growth at Different Initial Densities

Abstract

Anecdotal information on captive terrestrial isopods and their use in terrarium maintenance suggests that isopods benefit from the presence of springtails; a soil microarthropod. Research does indicate that springtails (Collembola) and terrestrial isopods play important roles in different levels of soil ecosystem cleanup and nutrient cycling. However, there is sparse research on whether springtails provide benefits to an isopod colony, and this experiment is designed to investigate this idea. Utilizing a factorial design with colonies of the isopod Porcellio laevis at two initial densities, in conditions with and without springtails. Colony growth (density of isopods over time) and body size distribution of isopods were measured over a three month period, with two turns of the experiment being conducted. The results of this work can offer insights to hobby arthropod and terrarium keepers, but can have further applications for understanding relationships among soil arthropod species and their roles in ecosystem maintenance, such as decomposition, soil aggregation, and nutrient cycling. Isopod populations depend on the number and size of reproductive females available for mating, and the quality and quantity of their offspring is seen to be associated with their diet and intraspecific competition. Therefore, better soil conditions in the presence of springtails, as they control soil fungal contaminations and possible pathogens, may allow the isopods less competition for habitable environments and resources. Therefore resulting in healthy offspring that mature and create more large reproductive females, ultimately allowing more successful isopod colony growth in the presence of springtails.

Keywords: Population Ecology, Arthropods, Isopods, Terrestrial Isopods, Soil, Springtails