The Leaf-Litter Arthropods of Mesoamerica (LLAMA) Project: Results for Chiapas, Mexico

The Leaf-Litter Arthropods of MesoAmerica (LLAMA) project aims to discover new species of ants and weevils and to measure patterns of beta diversity throughout the Mesoamerican corridor. The first year's focus was on the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. We report here the preliminary results from the 2008 field sampling. We describe study sites, realized sampling protocols, sample processing methods, and lessons for the future. Initial results suggest a rich fauna at the interface of tropical and temperate biotas, confirming the importance of Chiapas as a biodiversity hotspot and the continued need for habitat conservation efforts in this region.