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ABSTRACT
Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) is a shrub originating from South America and the Caribbean, notorious as an invasive species. This invasive weed, introduced through human activities, threaten native ecosystems with rapid population expansion. Its rapid spread is due to exceptional reproductive capacity, soil modification rendering it inhospitable to other plants, and dense thickets stifling native growth. Studies on Siam weed impact on arthropod diversity are limited. This survey investigated arthropod abundance and diversity in C. odorata-infested and uninfested areas in Ogua Community, Edo State, Nigeria. Two sites, one with 0% (site 1) and another with >50% C. odorata infestation (site 2), separated by 500m to ensure independence in the arthropod community. Arthropods were collected using beating trays and pitfall traps. Site 1 yielded 285 morphospecies, and Site 2 had 322 morphospecies. Site 1 had 37 arthropod families, while Site 2 had 42, with Formicidae being the most abundant. Furthermore, there was a 45.65% similarity in the arthropod community composition in both sites. However, C. odorata-infested areas showed higher family richness, diversity, equitability and evenness. The impact of C. odorata on arthropod species diversity warrants further investigation to support conservation and advance our understanding of arthropod diversity.
