Arboreal Mite Communities on Epiphytic Lichens of the Adirondack Mountains of New York

Abstract

We describe the mite fauna inhabiting the canopies of remnant old-growth Acer saccharum (sugar maple) trees in northern hardwood stands under different silvicultural treatments in the Adirondack Mountains. We also compare mites on different arboreal substrates, including bare bark, the crustose lichen Pertusaria velata, and three foliose lichens: Flavoparmelia caperata, Parmelia squarrosa, and Punctelia rudecta. A total of 877 individual mites were collected representing 25 oribatid mite species, at least three of which are undescribed, and nine non-oribatid mite families. Mite abundance was sevenfold greater in Punctelia rudecta than on bare bark, and communities differed among bark, crustose lichen, and foliose lichens, but not among the different species of foliose lichens. Trees in old growth and reserve shelterwood stands supported different mite communities.