Abstract: Environmental disturbances that are consequences of global climate change, such as increased global mean temperature, increased extreme weather events, and increased frequency and intensity of wildfires, can interrupt ecological interactions of organisms in affected areas. However, intermediate disturbances are part of all ecosystems and are essential for maintaining diversity. This study examines the importance of fire in maintaining biodiversity over time. Specifically, we addressed the long-term post-fire effects on arthropod abundance, diversity, and the overall status of the plant-arthropod community in the Whittell Forest, forested mountain land in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Arthropod specimens were collected in 2016 (before a prescribed fire), 2017 (1 year post-fire), and 2021 (5 years post-fire). The plot collection was completed at two forest types: pine and meadow habitats. Ten plots were surveyed from each forest habitat each year. Within each 30m x 30m plot, arthropods were sampled using net sweeping, Malaise traps, and pitfall traps. Each sampling approach is designed to sample assemblages of arthropods with different feeding behaviors and living conditions. We found that arthropod abundance, diversity, and community structure vary depending on the time since the prescribed fire. Understanding aspects of post-fire effects on plant-arthropod networks and ecological specialization will enhance our understanding of prescribed fires and wildfires can determine species' distribution and complexity of ecological networks in the long-term. This knowledge will further apply to the conservation and forest management of the Sierra Nevada.
