The NSS Bulletin - ISSN 1090-6924
Volume 51 Number 1: 1-10 - June 1989

A publication of the National Speleological Society

An Analysis of the Coleoptera of Mitchell Caverns, San Bernardino County, California
Rolf L. Aalbu

Abstract

A survey was conducted of the Coleoptera of Mitchell Caverns, San Bernardino County, California. Ethylene glycol pitfall traps were used to survey the Coleoptera at selected sites inside and outside the caverns. The study was conducted for a period of one year. Four trapping series, to approximate seasonal variation, were examined. One troglobite, thirteen troglophiles, six habitual trogloxenes, seven occasional trogloxenes and four accidentals were trapped in the caverns. Four factors were found to influence the cavernicolous fauna trapped: (1) the distance the traps were placed from an outside entrance, (2) the substrate composition in the area of the trap, (3) the humidity of the area, and (4) the subdued climatic seasonal influences bringing into the caverns its associated trogloxene and accidental fauna. Limited, careful use of ethylene glycol pitfall traps was found to be an effective method for surveying cave microfauna.

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