THE DYNAMICS OF THE NUMBER OF ORIBATIC MITES ON THE PASTURES OF THE IVANOVO REGION AND THEIR INVASIBILITY OF THE MONISTIA CISTICERCOIDES

Abstract

The distribution of mites on the soil surface of different types of pastures, the invasion of oribatids by monies larvae are dependent on climatic and weather conditions of the area, as well as the degree of infection with monies of the grazed livestock of ruminants. Seasonal dynamics of population density of oribatid ticks on natural and artificial pastures of two livestock farms of the Ivanovo region is studied. In soil and grass samples 5 species of shell mites were identified: Scheloribates laevigatus, Scheloribates latipes, Punctoribates punctum, Punctoribates sellnicki and Ceratozetes mediocris, cysticercoid-infested monies. Dominant species were representatives of the genus Scheloribates (65,8%), subdominant – genus Punctoribates (26,7%). The population density of oribatid mites on natural grassland pastures in may averaged 198±17,8 specimens per 1 m2 with cysticercoid monies equal to 3,39%. In June-July, the number of oribatids ranged from 249±23,5 – 298±31,2 specimens on 1 m2 at EI = 4,47–6,9% respectively. The greatest number of oribatids was found in August-September: 343±39,4 – 368±42,4 specimens per 1 m2 at EI = 8,7–9,2%. In October the population density of oribatid mites decreased to 201±28,4 individuals per 1 m2 at EI = 4,54%. Artificial (cultural) pastures, the number of oribatid mites does not exceed 108±9,3 individuals per 1 m2. The contamination of the oribatids with cysticercoids of moniesia on these pastures has not been found. The research results make it possible to assume a high degree of invasion of ruminants by moniesia when grazing them on natural meadow pastures and plan preventive measures.