Decomposition and arthropod succession on exposed rabbit carrion during summer at high altitudes in Colorado, USA.
Six rabbit carcasses were exposed during summer at elevations ranging from 2,713 to 4,191 m in Colorado to determine decomposition rates and arthropod succession patterns. Biomass removal, bloat, and internal and ambient air temperatures were measured and the arthropod community was monitored during 51-d succession studies. A total of 53 taxa was collected (range, 8-36 taxa), with diversity apparently decreasing as a negative function of elevation. Extensive scavenging altered decomposition rates and arthropod succession. Rates and duration of biomass removal and bloating of carcasses were slowed and prolonged at higher elevations.
De Jong
G D
GD
Chadwick & Associates, Incorporated, Littleton, CO 80120, USA.
Chadwick
J W
JW
D000531:Altitude; D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods / Q000145:classification* / Q000502:physiology*; D003120:Colorado; D017753:Ecosystem; D011817:Rabbits / Q000469:parasitology*; D012621:Seasons