.
Soil/Substrate Type.
From observation it is clear that Slaters prefer damp soil and decomposing wood as substrate types, as at each site the Slaters were found on a farm in Waikari these substrates were present. .
Substrate moisture levels: Slaters prefer moist substrates of high humidity value as observed when collecting the Slaters from a farm in Waikari, as the majority of Slaters were found living in substrates of high moisture values such as the damp soil beneath the log cords, the rocks, and the fence posts. .
Other organisms/animal species present: From observation it is clear that Slaters live alongside many other organisms. These include Ground Beetles, Spiders, Earwigs and Earthworms. It is likely many of these species have a relationship with the Slater due to the close proximity that they live within one another. Ground Beetles are known to prey on the Slater, along with spiders such as the Dysdera crocata which is common in many New Zealand gardens, therefore their relationship with the Slaters could be one of predation as they benefit from the relationship, gaining food for growth and other life processes whilst the slater is harmed by the relationship, dying as it is eaten[3]. Earwigs are known to eat arthropods, and therefore are also likely to prey on Slaters. They benefit from a similar predation relationship with the Slaters in this environment as the one stated above involving Ground Beetles and Spiders. This is due to the Slaters existence within the Arthropoda phylum group[4]. It is likely that the relationship of the Slaters with the Earthworms however is one of commensalism. It is probable that neither of the two species benefit or harm one another in this environment. The reason for them living within the same environment is likely due to the favourable conditions there, as like the slaters, Earthworms require moist soil and a dark habitat. This is because again, like the slaters, earthworms respire through their skin (in the slaters case their shell) and therefore similarly require damp/humid conditions to prevent desiccation and 'drying out'[6].
