Habitat characteristics and climatic factors influence microhabitat selection and arthropod community structure in a globally rare central Appalachian shale barren.

The central Appalachian shale barrens, a globally unique habitat type restricted to the eastern United States, presents an insular and physiologically stressful environment with sparse vegetation and extreme ground surface and air temperatures. Despite the high levels of plant species endemism within these systems, information on invertebrate communities and habitat preferences is extremely limited.Through this study, we aimed to better understand a shale barren arthropod community, microhabitat selection, and the influence of habitat characteristics and climatic factors.