Abstract
The first detailed survey of pseudoscorpions living in the heaps with decomposing material (compost heaps, manures) is presented. The research was performed on samples from 33 localities in Slovakia during the years 2012– 2014. A total of 1118 pseudoscorpions of ten species in four families was examined during the study. The most abundant family was Chernetidae, whereas the lowest species and specimen numbers were recorded for the families Neobisiidae and Cheliferidae. Chernetid pseudoscorpions of the genus Lamprochernes Tömösváry, 1882 and of the species Pselaphochernes scorpioides (Hermann, 1804) were the most abundant. These are typical inhabitants of heaps with decomposing material, in which all their developmental stages, even females with eggs (in the case of P. scorpioides), can be found. Only one specimen each of Dactylochelifer latreillii (Leach, 1817) and Dinocheirus panzeri (C.L. Koch, 1831) was found. From a faunistic point of view, the first confirmed Slovakian record of the rare species Chthonius ressli Beier, 1956 is notable.
Highlights
Due to their microclimate and organic richness, compost heaps provide a favourable environment for the development of various organisms
The aim of the present paper is to extend the knowledge on the pseudoscorpion fauna from the heaps with decomposing material in Slovakia
10 pseudoscorpion taxa were identified from heaps with decomposing material
Summary
Due to their microclimate and organic richness, compost heaps provide a favourable environment for the development of various organisms. A large number of decomposers, such as springtails and mites, inhabit compost, in which they play an important role in humification. They, in turn, serve as food for predators, including pseudoscorpions. Pseudoscorpions living in compost or other decaying material have been studied sporadically in Slovakia. Verner (1971) mentioned, in general, that the species. Lamprochernes nodosus (Schrank, 1803) lived in decaying plant material. Christophoryová (2009) found two males of Lamprochernes chyzeri (Tömösváry, 1882) in manure at Šurice in the Cerová vrchovina Highlands. The first record of Chthonius hungaricus Mahnert, 1981 in Slovakia referred to decaying plant material and manure at the same locality
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
