Investigations of food chains in the blind beetle - cave ecosystems of Idaho

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This lava tube cave has a unique and delicate ecosystem. I have concluded that the bacteria are probably chemoautotrophic, oxidizing ferrous iron in the basalt for their source of energy, and are members of the order Myxobacteriales. The blind beetle lives on and in close association with the bacteria. Only one beetle has been sighted during each trip to the cave so I assume the beetle population is very small and the ecosystem is very delicately balanced. The only other members of the ecosystem are probably dependent on food from outside the cave.

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Reference Code: A74NAS01IDUS

Full Citation: Naseath, B. 1974. Investigations of food chains in the blind beetle - cave ecosystems of Idaho. Journal of the Idaho Academy of Science 10(2): 77-81.

Location: ANIMAL EF: GLACICAVICOLA BATHYSCIOIDES