~Methodology~
In order to determine if the biodiversity within tank bromeliads was different than those bromeliads attached to a native species the large epiphytes were collected into a five gallon bucket and dissected. Great pains were taken to avoid loosing water during collection and escaping creatures during dissection. The native species used was the Inga tree. The non-native tree was the mango. There was one bromeliad taken from each; a mango in the forest, one near a building, an Inga in the forest and one near a building. Once the specimen was in a large washtub, ready for dissection, all escaping or flying organisms were caught with tweezers in plastic, resalable cups. After shaking the bromeliad upside down and counting everything attempting escape dissection started. First the root area was analyzed and taken apart. Leaves were peeled away individually, much in the way one would take apart an artichoke. This method appears to be tried and true when it comes to bromeliad studies. Each leaf was examined for small worms, insects or larvae that may hide in the curl of the leaf. Once all plant material was examined the water and organic material from the bromeliad that had collected on the bottom of the washtub was examined and sifted through. After all visible specimens were collected from the tub analysis began.
All captured creatures were recorded and analyzed. Then most of them were released.
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