Distribution of Protura along an urban gradient in Vienna

Abstract

Summary In the first study of the Protura of a big city, six representative habitat types were sampled in Vienna, Austria. Twenty-five sites between the green belt and the city centre yielded 42 known species. Abundance, species number and diversity were highest in colline deciduous forests, with a maximum of 23 syntopic species in a Quercus pubescens stand. Acerella muscorum , all of the five Acerentomon spp. and 13 further species occurred exclusively in colline deciduous forests. The mediterranean Berberentulus berberus and six other species were recorded exclusively in parks or artificial habitats, suggesting anthropogenic transport. No Protura were found in garden and arable soils. Species density in the municipal area of Vienna (415 km 2 ) is a function of the city's biogeographic situation on the border between the Alps and the Pannonian lowland as well as its diversity of seminatural habitats, and unintentional introduction.