Oribatid soil mites (Acari: Oribatida) of northern Vietnam: Species distributions and densities according to soil and habitat type

Abstract

Species diversity and density of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) was examined in northern Vietnam in order to investigate how they relate to soil and habitat type, and whether they can be used as bioindicators of these factors. Species diversity and population densities are clearly related to soil and habitat type, and can be used as bioindicators of agricultural intensification and soil types. Scrub habitat can allow the re-establishment of the soil oribatid community. Among 98 oribatid species identified belonging to 34 families and 57 genera, three can be indicated as the most widespread and most persistent species, namely Tectocepheus velatus (Michael, 1880), Scheloribates praeincisus (Berlese, 1916) and Lamellobates ocularis Jeleva & Vu 1987. They can be considered as bioindicators of disturbed soil ecosystems