Fire and biodiversity: studies of vegetation and arthropods
Abstract
The authors summarize and update the state of knowledge for some components of prescribed fire in the southeastern Coastal Plain, with a primary focus on effects of season of burn on plants and arthropods. Specifically, the authors: 1) briefly explain season of fire terminology; 2) present a short synopsis of how fire regimes affect trees and groundcover vegetation in Coastal Plain pine forests; 3) review relevant arthropod literature; 4) discuss preliminary data from ongoing studies on season of burn on arthropods, including consideration of resources for pollinators (especially fall migrating butterflies); and 5) consider prescribed fire management in light of biodiversity issues.