Invertebrates constitute by far the greatest proportion of the biodiversity of British

Columbia. They include the phyla (groups of similar organisms) Rotifera (rotifers), Nematoda (roundworms), Mollusca (snails, slugs and clams), Annelida (segmented worms), and the giant group Arthropoda (jointed-legged animals).Arthropods include butterflies, beetles, bugs, spiders and mites, and insects - of which the last are by far the most diverse organisms on earth (Harding, Lee E. and Allison Ader, 1999).

Currently, it is estimated that there could be as many as 40,000 species of insects in the province, although only about 25,000 have been identified so far (Harding, 1997). Because of the lack of knowledge and high degree of uncertainty about the distribution and abundance of insects, it is extremely difficult to determine whether they are at risk (threatened or endangered). Since no baseline data exists, surveys cannot determine whether new species are endemic, endangered or widespread. Habitat destruction is proceeding unabated in many areas of the province and many species will be lost before we have any knowledge of their plight. There is an immediate need to inventory and map the distribution and abundance of invertebrates, and to minimize the adverse effects of human activities.

The current (August 1998) provincial tracking list for invertebrates contains 142 records (78 Red list - 64 Blue list) of species that are considered threatened or vulnerable. Of these, only 9 are found within the Columbia Basin.