During the expedition casual observations were made of the observed cave life during various exploration trips by Julian Carter, cave biologist.
Twilight zone / entrance areas
The entrance areas of the various systems visited were rich is the invertebrate fauna typical of this environment. A good range of such fauna were typically observed in the Cueva de la Marniosa system, Cueva C29 and Cueva de Concha Vies. This included:
- A mixed range of spider fauna typically represented by the large Meta species. Around 3 other species were observed by identification would require collection of samples to enable accurate identification.
- Opilones (Harvestmen) were regularly observed in entrances areas, but also deeper in the Marniosa system.
- The tissue moth, Trichos dubitata, including large quantities of wing remains indicating active predation by bats.
- Glomerid pill millipedes appear to be common in the entrance areas of systems such as Cueva C29 and Cueva de Concha Vies.
- The Marniosa entrance area exhibited extensive numbers of the range of diptera associated with entrance zones areas such as Trichocera sp, and Speolepta leptogaster.
Dark zone
True troglobitic species are harder to observe and proper study requires focused monitoring and collecting techniques. Only a few forms were easily observed that could be considered true cave dwelling forms, and identification would require collecting of specimens.
- A stygobitic Asselidae was regularly observed throughout the Marniosa system and also observed in Cueva de Concha Vies.
- A planarian flatworm was often observed in proximity to the asselid crustacea.
- Footage taken by divers also suggest that troglobitic amphipods are common in the flooded passageways of the cave systems.
- Various collembola were also common in the caves but any meaningful identification would require collecting of specimens to allow identification.
Picture: A mix of asellids and planarians in a pool in the Marniosa entrance series (Julian Carter)
Bats
There is evidence of an extensive and active bat population in the caves of the region, but they do not appear to actively use the caves in the summer season, this is assumed based on virtually no observations of bats in-situ in the caves during the expedition.
- 1 live bat (type unknown) seen in the entrance of Cueva de la Cabeza de Vaca
- 1 live bat in minor entrance Riega de la Caballar, Sotres
Picture: Unknown bat in Riega de la Caballar (Phil Walker).
- Bone Passage, Cueva del Nacimiento – multiple bat remains from minimal skeleton to mouldy remains
Picture: Horseshoe Bat, Bone Passage, Cueva del Nacimiento (Wendy Atkinson).