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Invertebrates

Denali may be home to the tallest mountain in North America and numerous large animals but a huge portion of Denali's wildlife is considerably smaller. Take a closer look at Denali's amazing microwilderness.

NPS Photo / Jessica Rykken

 

From left to right: A crab spider devours a bumble bee, mines left by an aspen leaf miner caterpillar, Adult  aspen leaf miner, Phyllocnistis populiella

Left to right: Flickr Photo / Distant Hill Gardens, Flickr Photo/ Jason Hollinger, Photo by CHarley Eiseman

Charismatic critters, such as bears and moose can easily capture visitor attention in Denali. But, did you know that the vast majority of Denali’s wildlife is less than an inch long? Welcome to Denali’s micro-wilderness! This vast realm is home to insects, spiders, centipedes, slugs, and other spineless creatures. These often-overlooked animals are essential to processes such as pollination, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. Without them, these processes would come to a halt, resulting in disastrous consequences for the wild landscapes upon which many animals depend.

So while you are enjoying Denali, take a moment to adjust your focus. Look closely at the ground and flowers and logs around you because dwellers of the micro-wilderness are small, and if you take the time to examine this hidden world, you’ll be rewarded by a remarkable diversity of creatures. You may see a crab spider sitting patiently on a flower waiting to sink its fangs into an unsuspecting bumble bee, and you’ll soon realize that predators don’t have to be large and furry to catch prey! Or you may observe the intricate pattern left behind after an aspen leaf miner caterpillar has had its fill, and you’ll know that moose aren’t the only herbivores hanging out in the trees.

Interested in more information? Check out the Science and Scholarship Resources to find more recommended resources about invertebrate research in Denali.

Explore the sections below to learn more about the amazing creatures that exist in Denali's micro-wilderness.