THE FAUNA OF MAYFIELD'S CAVE. 



INTRODUCTION. 



This paper represents the results of an attempt at a detailed study 

 of the fauna of a small cave, observing its animal inhabitants through- 

 out the year and in all conditions to which they are normally subjected. 



Mayfield's Cave was selected because of its accessibility, it being 

 but 4.5 miles from the laboratory of Indiana University. The cave was 

 visited on an average about once a week from January, 1903, to June, 

 1904, and somewhat less often from September, 1904, to August, 1905. 



To facilitate study of the cave and ready labeling of the collections, 

 the cave was divided into parts, and these are referred to upon the map 

 (plate 2) and throughout the text of this paper by number. In col- 

 lecting, a carbide bicycle lamp was used and found to be very effective, 

 as it was easily handled and reflected a strong, steady light. Ordinarily 

 about three hours were spent in the cave on each trip, but often the 

 whole day^was taken and five to seven hours spent in the cave. Occa- 

 sionally bits of beef and cheese were distributed at various places in 

 the cave as bait to attract cave animals. It was necessary to place this 

 bait under small stones to prevent mammals carrying it away. 



The temperature and air-currents were observed. Collections were 

 made, habits of the various species noted, life histories worked out as 

 far as possible in fact, everything throwing light upon any phase of 

 cave life was sought. Several times during winter collections were 

 made under leaves, logs, and stones, and about sink-holes in the vicinity 

 of the cave. These were made with a view to determine what species 

 living in the cave also live outside. Any species which lives in the cave 

 and also outside the cave would likely be found under logs and stones 

 or in the ground during the winter, while the many species which do 

 not live through the winter are eliminated from the collections made 

 outside caves at this season. 



From a biological standpoint Mayfield's Cave has been mentioned in 

 the literature a number of times. McNeill (1887, 330) described the 

 myriapod Conotyla bollmani taken from it and gave a short paragraph 

 in description of the cave. Packard (1888, 16) mentions the cave as 

 having been visited by Bollman and lists the species Bollman found- 

 Cambarus pellucidus (Tellkampf ) , Csecidotea stygia Packard, Crangonyx 



