170— A Comparison of Native and Invasive Plant Species Microhabitats in Western NY

Previous research concluded that the extended leaf phenology of invasive plant species Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle) reduced seed predation, possibly due to less favorable microclimates for invertebrate seed predators. In the fall of 2019, we conducted a field experiment to observe the microhabitat preferences of snails. In our study, we selected six pairs of invasive L. maackii and native Cornus racemosa (Gray Dogwood) throughout the Roemer Arboretum. Twice weekly, we recorded temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, light, soil pH, and soil moisture along with the number and size of snails found on the plant and within 0.3m of its surrounding leaf litter. Preliminary results suggest that snail microhabitat preference was nonrandom with respect to the extended leaf phenology. We conducted a follow-up experiment to observe snail habitat preference in indoor enclosures. The snails were given an option between various native and invasive habitat conditions. The snails movement between native and invasive habitats appeared to be complex and variable but suggested preferences may be present. Thus, plant leaf traits appear to be an important factor in shaping microhabitat preferences for snails in invaded plant communities. As vegetative diversity decreases, we will likely see more shifts in microhabitat preference.