Location of Sampling Stations:
Sampling was conducted within four long-term grazing units at Konza Prairie Biological Station (KPBS) in Manhattan, Kansas. Two ABG units (93 ha and 76 ha; burned annually). Two PBG units (455 ha and 219 ha; burned in tri-annual rotation). Each PBG unit was divided into three watersheds, each with a different year since burning (0, 1, or 2 years). Watersheds followed KPBS designations but are summarized in the study as ABG_0, PBG_0, PBG_1, and PBG_2. Each watershed included eight 1 m² plots (N = 64 total plots).The names of each watershed are included in the data file.
Frequency of Sampling: Aboveground invertebrates were sampled once per year in July, from 2021 to 2023, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on days with clear skies and low wind. Herbivory was sampled once per plot in June of 2025.
Variable Measured: Invertebrate Abundance, percent herbivory (Insect chewing damage to plants).
Field Methods:
ABG011, ABG012: Each of the four grazing units contained transects with fixed 1 m² plots. Invertebrates were sampled using a reverse leaf blower fitted with a mesh collection bag for 60 seconds per plot. This method is effective for collecting small, foliage-dwelling insects (e.g., aphids, thrips, leafhoppers) and was chosen for its effectiveness in capturing mobile arthropods.Samples were immediately stored on ice and then frozen at -20 °C until processing.
ABG013: nsect herbivory was estimated in the field during July sampling periods (2021–2023) at Konza Prairie Biological Station. Surveys were conducted on eight dominant plant species, selected based on the Dominance Candidate Index (Avolio et al. 2019), which included four graminoids (Andropogon gerardii, Carex inops, Dichanthelium oligosanthes, Sorghastrum nutans) and four forbs (Ambrosia psilostachya, Solidago missouriensis, Amorpha canescens, Ruellia humilis). Within each 50-m transect, we visually divided the transect into approximate thirds. In each third, the nearest individual of each target species to a centrally placed flag was selected (3 individuals per species per transect). Herbivory was assessed by visually estimating chewing damage on the second highest fully developed leaf of each plant. Estimates were recorded as a percentage of leaf area damaged, to the nearest whole number
Laboratory Methods: Samples were thawed and sorted to remove plant debris. Invertebrates were identified to the family level using dichotomous keys based on morphological features. Damaged specimens were identified to order when necessary.
Form of data output: Count/abundance data
Quality Assurance: All field and lab protocols were standardized and followed consistent procedures across all years.
Protocol title, or URL oonline protocol: Vacuum Arthopod Sampling in Grasslands (https://nutnet.org/sites/default/files/Stewart_&_Wright_1995.pdf (link is external))
Insect herbivory was assessed in July 2021–2023 at Konza Prairie Biological Station by visually estimating chewing damage on eight dominant plant species, selected using the Dominance Candidate Index (Avolio et al. 2019). Each 50-m transect was divided into three sections, and in each, the nearest individual of each species to a central flag was selected, totaling three individuals per species per transect. For each plant, chewing damage was estimated as the percent leaf area removed on the second-highest fully developed leaf, recorded to the nearest whole percent. Only chewing damage (e.g., missing margins or holes) was considered; mining or discoloration was excluded.
Avolio, M., Forrestel, E., Chang, C., La Pierre, K., Burghardt, K. and Smith, M. 2019. Demystifying dominant species. 223: 1106–1126.
