Soil arthropods, invertebrate animals with exoskeletons, including ants, termites and millipedes, munch their way through plant litter that ends up as the nutrient rich soil upon which complex terrestrial life depends. Most of us, though, are likely only dimly aware of the essential roles arthropods play in maintaining ecosystems. We are more apt to regard arthropods as pests, and thus with a vague annoyance, or in a fearful context. Termites, for example, are likely far better recognized for the terror they instill in homeowners, than for the fact that they process up to 60% of plant debris. This is no small feat, and it is worth understanding the critical role arthropods play as either plant litter ‘transformers’ or ‘ecosystem engineers’. Continue reading →