Among the different sites, plant biomass, basal coverage, and number of plant species were the most important factors in calculating the total number of invertebrates and invertebrate families. Differences in habitat choice of invertebrate communities, dominated by Orthoptera and Homoptera, were not specifically tied to management practices, as plant communities were. The exception to this, is the predominance of spiders at fallow sites. Overall, management practices, including planting, grazing, and fallow pastures, appeared to have little to do with invertebrate habitat selection and more to do with differences in plant communities.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.