Vernal pools have an interesting role in the ecosystem as seasonal wetland habitats. They perform valuable economic and ecological functions similar to permanent wetlands. However, it is their dry phase and resulting inhospitality to fish that allowed a unique suite of animals to adapt into this niche. In Pennsylvania, there are eight known animal species that require vernal pools to complete a stage of their life cycle. Five plant species of special concern are also known to utilize vernal pool habitats. The identification and classification of the flora and fauna of vernal pools and the range of abiotic and biotic factors shaping these communities can be an important component of conservation planning. The current classification of natural communities in Pennsylvania is based primarily on assemblages of plants. This study examines the usefulness of collecting animal data to compliment and enhance the plant community classification of vernal pools.

The invertebrate fauna of fifteen pools in a vernal pool complex in south-central Pennsylvania was sampled during the spring and summer months of 2001 and 2002. Preliminary results from several statistical analyses examining relationships between the invertebrate community, the presence or absence of different vegetation types found in these pools, and several physiochemical factors are presented here.