Tapeworm: Platyhelminthes are soft-bodied invertebrates that don't have internal body cavities. Tapeworm larvae is found in soul and the water mixes with the soil. Tapeworms are unique because they're a threat not found in many parks. The worm gets rid of harmful larvae in the ecosystem. Tapeworms also eat some of the bacteria.
Annelida: Earth Worm
Earth worm: Earth worms are hermaphrodites- animals that carry the female and male sex organ. Earth worms live in the soil of Hot Springs National Park. This worm is unique to the park because they are common in Arkansas. They structure the overall ecosystem. Tapeworms break down dead, organic matter.
Mollusca: Slugs
Slugs: Mollusca have no shell and exist on land and sea. They live on the land of the park. They are unique to the park because they eat away at the plants in the park. They are important to the ecosystem because they eat decaying plant materials and fungi. Slugs usually get eaten by frogs.
Crustacea: Ostracod
Ostracod: Crustaceans are a large group of arthropods and include animals such as crayfish, shrimp, and crab. They are found in small bodies of water in the park. These animals have no significant roles in the ecosystem.
Arachnida: Opiliones
Opiliones: Otherwise known as daddy long legs. This type of arachnida look a lot like spiders and are commonly mistaken for them. They are found in the damp part of the forest in the park. They're unique because they still exist in Arkansas while they are getting extinct in other parts of the world. Opiliones have no significant roles in the ecosystem.
Insecta: Ephydridae Fly
Ephydridae Fly: Otherwise known as the shore fly. This fly is usually found near shores and there are over 1.500 species worldwide. They are unique to the park because they aren't common in other national parks. It helps the ecosystem because it eats unwanted algae.