Arthropod Ecology Lab
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About
Research in the Yanoviak Lab broadly explores the community ecology and behavioral ecology of forest arthropods. Most of our work is field-based, has a solid foundation in natural history and is framed in a conservation context. In addition to our long-term interest in forest canopy ants, current studies include saproxylic beetles associated with dead wood and the effects of local habitat structure on the composition of spider assemblages.
Key Research Areas
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Community Ecology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Ecological Disturbance
- Temperate and Tropical Forests
Current Projects
- How do different types of disturbance (lightning-caused forest gaps, treefall gaps, and fire) affect the local diversity and composition of arthopods (esp. ants, beetles, and web-building spiders)?
- Do the adhesive properties of spider and ant tarsi vary predictably with habitat associations?; and What is the ecological relevance of adhesive failure specifically for tree-dwelling arthropods?
- What traits and trade-offs are associated with arboreal lifestyles?; and How do web-building spiders balance efficient prey capture with the risk of web damage in forests?
Recent Publications
See my research website: https://canopyants.net/
Team
Dr. Steve Yanoviak, Professor
steve.yanoviak@louisville.edu | 502-852-8261
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