Invertebrates

It’s the little things that matter! The smallest creatures of Waterton's wildlife scene are invertebrates.

These are species "without backbones," making up about 97% of all known animal species on the planet.

The word "invertebrate" comes from the Latin word vertebra, meaning a joint from the spinal column. The prefix in- means "not" or "without."

Despite their vast numbers, we know far less about them than the fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and even mammals. They are good indicators of habitat change and ecosystem health and may even be more suitable in this capacity than their larger, more studied counterparts.

Invertebrates are a valuable food source. Many birds, bats, and bears rely on insects for protein, and aquatic invertebrates are prey for fish species like trout.

Butterflies, beetles, spiders, ticks, earthworms, and snails all contribute to Waterton's diverse ecosystems. Whether on land or in water, high on a mountain ridge or deep in prairie soil, these spineless wonders inhabit every nook and cranny within the park.

Mountain pine beetle

Mountain pine beetles are a naturally occurring insect in the Rocky Mountain Ecosystem. These small, cylindrical beetles inhabit and kill pine trees by eating a layer between the bark and the wood of the tree.

Historic practices of fire suppression have created large tracts of older pine forest ideal for beetle expansion.

Mountain pine beetles were first recorded in Waterton in 1977. By 1979, the population grew to epidemic proportions. A series of mild winters contributed to the survival of young and increases in the beetle population. Approximately 10% of pine forests in Waterton were impacted by mountain pine beetles. By 1984, population numbers declined as their ideal habitat of large, mature pine trees became less available.

Mountain pine beetles now exist at endemic levels in Waterton.