Developing least disruptive management methods for rangeland grasshopper ecosystems - trial year 2014

In collaboration with local and out-of-state researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture and private, federal, and tribal land managers, the Arizona State University Hasbrouck Insect Collection (ASUHIC) team is investigating least disruptive methods for the management of range pest species in seventeen western states. Our central question, prior to an application of a control measure, is: what are the effects of the chosen control measures on non-target organisms in the treated area, especially rangeland. To address this question, we are systematically collecting a large number of samples across varying habitats in the rangeland ecosystem, with special emphasis on Rangeland Grasshopper habitats. Results of this study will provide data on the effects of the pest treatments on arthropods in the treated areas. The study will serve as a basis for development of rangeland pest management protocols, aid in creating a heuristic set of constraints to understand and limit non-target arthropods impacts with insecticides, and provide an outline of methods and materials for other studies. In 2014, nine pitfall trap arrays (nine traps per array) and three malaise traps for the trial were set out on 20 June in areas in South Dakota which were enclosed to prevent wildlife and cattle from disrupting the equipment.  The purpose of this trial was to determine time required to setup the equipment, maintain the traps, and eventually quantify the biodiversity of the samples. We share preliminary results and their implications for optimizing future trial designs.