Different-scale distribution of collembola in homogenous ground vegetation: Stability of parameters in space and time

Abstract

We have tested the hypothesis about the existence of species-specific patterns of local spatial distribution of Collembola, i.e., combinations of differently sized aggregations or the absence of distinct aggregations. The presence of such patterns was previously demonstrated for some abundant collembolan species in the sphagnum pine forests of Karelia using the special fractal design of surveys, with groups of core samples taken at different distances. The aim of the present work was to find out whether the patterns observed in sphagnum pine forests were preserved in the mesophytic and xerophytic variants, namely green moss and lichen pine forests. As a rule, the parameters of local spatial distribution of species were quite similar in different seasons, in drier habitats as well as in humid ones. Some characteristics of collembolan aggregations at different levels, such as their size, density, and strength relative to the background, were described, and the occurrence of individual species in differently sized plots was estimated. On the whole, the typical traits of local spatial distribution of collembolan species were preserved not only within each biotope but also in different habitats. However, these species-specific patterns were not absolutely constant, as some species became more clumped under xerophytic conditions. The types of spatial redistribution of springtails accompanying an increase in their population density are discussed.