Species composition,distribution and abundance of Collembola colonizing reclaimed mine spoil in Alberta

The present study is a component of a larger program documenting decomposer community development and above ground litter decomposition on three mine spoil sites differing in age since reclamation, and located in the Rocky Mountains of Western Canada. Basic data on the composition, abundance, and distribution patterns of species representative of this faunal group are given. Relationships between collembole abundance and the physico-chemical environment of the spoil are quantified. In addition, data are also provided on Acari and pterygote insects extracted from the spoil.