Distribution of Pill Millipedes ( Arthrosphaera) and Associated Soil Fauna in the Western Ghats and West Coast of India

Abstract

Seven sampling sites in each of three biomes (Western Ghats, foothills of Western Ghats and west coast) of south-western India were investigated to study the distribution, abundance and ecology of pill millipedes ( Arthrosphaera)and associated fauna in relation to edaphic features. Abundance and biomass of Arthrosphaera and other millipedes were the highest in Western Ghats, while earthworms were in foothills. Arthrosphaera magna and Arthrosphaera spp. were common in Western Ghats and foothills respectively, while no Arthrosphaera were found in the west coast. None of the sampling sites consisted of more than one species of Arthrosphaera. Biomass of Arthrosphaera, other millipedes and earthworms significantly differed in Western Ghats ( P =9.48 × 10 −7) and foothills ( P =1.35 × 10 −8), as did the biomass of species of Arthrosphaera ( P =2.76 × 10 −7) between Western Ghats and foothills. Correlation analysis revealed that biomass of Arthrosphaera was significantly ( P =0.01, r =0.45) correlated with soil organic carbon rather than other edaphic features (pH, phosphate, calcium and magnesium). Distribution pattern, abundance, biomass and ecology of Arthrosphaera of Western Ghats in relation to soil qualities were compared with millipedes of other regions of the world.