Soil arthropod and nematode diversity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Two undescribed species of plant-parasitic nematodes (in the genera Xiphinema and Hoplolaimus) were collected in the rhizospheres of mixed hardwood forests along the northern part of Laurel Falls trail. Nematode specimens currently are at the University of Arkansas for description. A combined analysis of morphological and molecular characters indicated that the Smokies has at least 10 species of the genus Pogonognathellus (Tomoceridae), of which five or more may be undescribed. This diversity of tomocerids may be the highest of any spot on earth. Holotypes and some paratypes of new Collembola species are deposited in the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. Other paratypes and non-type specimens are curated at the University of Tennessee. A survey conducted in fall of 2010 was preliminary to a proposed larger study of nematode communities in the park. A new species of nematode that feeds in maple/hemlock/silverbell forests was described from the Laurel Falls and Ramsey Cascades areas. A small study was performed at Purchase Knob to assess the near-term effects of fire on surface-dwelling arthropods. Small species were more abundant in the burned area, possibly because of greater ability to find shelter from predators and temperature extremes. Collections in 2013 at the junction of the AT and Sweat Heifer Trails produced more specimens of an undescribed Ceratophysella species that may exhibit warning coloration and be distasteful. Sampling on Mt. Sterling produced more specimens of an undescribed Sminthurinus species.