The cavernicolous fauna of Hawaiianlava tubes, 1. Introduction
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Publication Date
May 1973
Abstract
The Hawaiian Islands offer great potential for evolutionary research. The discovery of specialized cavernicoles among the adaptively radiating fauna adds to that potential. About 50 lava tubes and a few other types of caves on 4 islands have been investigated. Tree roots, both living and dead, are the main energy source in the caves. Some organic material percolates into the cave through cracks associated with the roots. Cave slimes and accidentals also supply some nutrients. Lava tubes form almost exclusively in pahoehoe basalt, usually by the crusting over of lava rivers. However, the formation can be quite complex. Young basalt has numerous avenues such as vesicles, fissures, layers, and smaller tubes which allow some intercave and interlava flow dispersal of cavernicoles. In older flows these avenues are plugged by siltation or blocked or cut by erosion.
Keywords
Hawaii, Cavernicolous Fauna, Cave Slimes, Lava Tubes
Document Type
Article
Notes
Pacific Insects, Vol. 15, no. 1 (1973-05-20).
Identifier
SFS0060998_00001
Recommended Citation
Howarth, Francis G., "The cavernicolous fauna of Hawaiianlava tubes, 1. Introduction" (1973). KIP Articles. 790.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/kip_articles/790
