FBI Part 3: Invertebrates

Happy Friday! Welcome to the third and final post in our FBI decomposer series. We have already learned about how fungus and bacteria help break down waste and turn it into nutrients. If you missed them you can read them here:

Fungus- http://www.soundviewcamp.com/nature-blog/2020/3/18/fbi-part-1

Bacteria- http://www.soundviewcamp.com/nature-blog/2020/3/17/fbi-part-2-bacteria

The reason the “I” in the FBI of decomposers stands for “invertebrates” and not “insects” is that the term “insect” only includes the animals with 6 legs, 3 main body sections, and an exoskeleton. Even though that includes many decomposers such as: ants, termites, beetles, and flies, it leaves out other important decomposers such as: millipedes, slugs, worms, and the so called “rolly-pollies.” What all of these decomposing animals share in common is that they do not have a backbone. Therefore, they are all invertebrates. Invertebrates decompose by eating plant and animal waste. Then, the waste that the invertebrates produce gets added to the soil where bacteria, fungus and plants can use the nutrients. Invertebrates are also a great food source for other forest animals.

Try at home:

You can discover what type of invertebrates you have in your yard by creating a pit-fall trap to catch them.

With adult permission, find a small container such as a cup or a used soda bottle. Dig a hole big enough for your container to fit in. After you put the container in the hole, surround the top of it with a few small rocks and place a piece of wood or bark on top. Check your container everyday to see what is inside. Remember to gently release your invertebrates so they can continue decomposing! Let us know what you catch!