Oribatid Communities Research Articles

Oribatid mite communities and metal bioaccumulation in oribatid species (Acari, Oribatida) along the heavy metal gradient in forest ecosystems

The responses of oribatid communities to heavy metal contamination were studied. Concentration of cadmium, copper and zinc in nine oribatid species along a gradient of heavy metal pollution was measured. Oribatid mites were sampled seasonally during two years in five forests located at different distances from the zinc smelter in the Olkusz District, southern Poland. The most numerous and diverse oribatid communities were found in the forest with moderate concentrations of heavy metals. Analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed large differences in metal body burdens among species. All studied oribatid species appeared to be accumulators of copper with Oppiella nova, Nothrus silvestris and Adoristes ovatus characterized by the highest bioaccumulation factors. Most species poorly accumulate cadmium and zinc. The accumulation of heavy metals in the body of oribatids was not strictly determined by their body size or the trophic level at which they operate.

Effects of microhabitat diversity and geographical isolation on oribatid mite (Acari: Oribatida) communities in mangrove forests

The effects of microhabitat diversity and geographical isolation on the structure of oribatid communities were studied in mangrove forests on the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. The study took place at three sites on two islands 470 km apart. Oribatid mites (Oribatida) were extracted from leaves, branches, bark of trunks (0–50, 50–100, and 100–150 cm high) and of knee roots, and from forest-floor soil and littoral algae, each defined as a microhabitat of oribatid mites. At the 0–50 cm height, the species composition of the oribatid communities on the knee-root bark and the bark of trunks of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza differed significantly from that on the other microhabitats. This difference was attributed to tidal flooding of the mangrove forests. Cluster analysis showed that oribatid communities in the same microhabitat at different sites tended to be more similar than those on different microhabitats at the same site. This implies that the species composition of oribatid communities in mangrove forests is more likely to be affected by factors responsible for microhabitat diversity (characterized specifically by the flooded trunks) than by geographical distance between the islands.

Oribatid mite diversity and community dynamics in a spruce chronosequence

A comparative study on oribatid mite communities was carried out at four sites forming a chronosequence of spruce forest stands (stand age: 5, 25, 45 and 95-years; Tharandter Wald, Germany). A total of 70 species was found. The moderate decline of oribatid species richness at the 5-years-old stand together with a strong deviation from the log-series model indicate that the community had not recovered from initial disturbance after 5 years. Close community similarity between the 5 and the 95-years-old stands nevertheless suggests a delayed response of the oribatid fauna to strong changes in environmental conditions. Species richness significantly increased from 5 to 25-years-old stand. This was accompanied by a strong increase of oribatid abundance that was largely due to the increase of only two species: Oppiella nova and Tectocepheus velatus. Particularly strong deviation from the log-series model at this site suggests that community disturbance becomes most intense at intermediate stages of forest development. Further analyses revealed an alteration of the feeding structure as well as a stimulation of species that either prefer or are at least able to colonize deeper layers of the soil profile in the 25-years-old stand. This indicates marked changes in both nutritional conditions and microclimate in the uppermost horizons 25 years after clear-cutting. A very high C mineralization rate measured in the 5-years-old stand confirms the important contribution of decomposition processes to net ecosystem production in young stands. However, no strong correlation between oribatid mite community variance and environmental conditions could be established by means of a canonical correspondence analysis. It is concluded that oribatid mite communities are a fairly conservative element of the decomposer fauna in temperate spruce forests and might thus be an important component in the decomposer systems buffering mechanisms against strong environmental change. Our data indicate a multifaceted reaction of the oribatid community to long lasting changes in site conditions rather than a straightforward response to certain environmental factors.

Two scale patterns of spatial distribution of oribatid ites (Acari, Cryptostigmata) in a Greek mountain

Summary In this paper we describe and compare the oribatid distribution patterns at two scales: a regional scale corresponding to an altitudinal gradient and a local one created by the variation of vegetation cover. Distribution patterns at the local scale are assessed by sampling under the canopy of the Juniperus sp. shrubs, which are scattered all along the altitudinal gradient, and at the adjacent grass-covered openings. Our results showed that the two scale effects are not equally important in shaping the oribatid communities. Altitude per se does not induce clear distribution patterns, acting mostly indirectly through the effect on the formation of local vegetation. In contrast, profound differences in the structure of oribatid communities are imposed by the local scale effect, which consists of strong microclimatic fluctuations in the exposed grassy sites and litter accumulation in the sheltered shrubby sites. Oribatids respond to the two scale effects, forming separate communities with distinct characteristics. The temporal heterogeneity of the exposed habitats at all altitudes leads to a temporal separation of oribatid niches and to a seasonal succession of communities. The structural heterogeneity of the shrubby habitats is responsible for a more complicated and site-specific differentiation of communities; oribatid species of shrubby sites are either capable of inhabiting the open sites as well or persist throughout the whole year.

Soil Oribatida and Collembola communities across a land depression in an arable field

A small-scale field study of oribatid and collembolan communities was conducted in the floodplain area of the Ondava River in the East-Slovak Lowland, to assess the role of temporary water pools in microdepressions with heavy soils for microarthropod distribution in an agricultural landscape. Soil samples were taken from five sites across a microdepression without water outflow located in a cultivated field. For comparison, willow field margin was included into the study. Results from ordination analysis showed specific communities at the pool-shore, clearly different from those of the arable field and willow margin sites. Pool-shore communities were mainly affected by soil pH (positive correlation) and dominated by oribatid mites Subiasella quadrimaculata and Microppia minus, together with Collembola Folsomia quadrioculata and Lepidocyrtus cyaneus. The soil surrounding freshwater pools is assumed to be a temporary microhabitat for several microarthropod species that contribute to the biodiversity of the agricultural landscape.

Oribatid mite fauna of greenhouses in Upper Silesia, Poland

Oribatid mites occurring in greenhouses in Gliwice and Sosnowiec (Upper Silesia) from different vegetation types (tropical, cultivated, desertic, temperate ones) were investigated. In total 1715 oribatids, representing 58 species, were collected. The oribatid fauna was accidentally established as a result of using soil from different sources. The oribatid mite communities were poorly developed. Differences in the structure of oribatid communities were not significant. Furthermore, relationships between oribatids and specific plant species were not revealed for most oribatids. Eight rare species arriving by passive transport were collected.

Microarthropod community structures (Oribatei and Collembola) in Tam Dao National Park, Vietnam.

A study on the microarthropod community with special reference to species diversity of Oribatid and Collembola communities (Microarthropoda: Oribatei and Collembola) in Tam Dao National Park of Vietnam, a subtropical evergreen broad leaf alpine forest, was undertaken with the aim to explain how they are related to forest decline, and whether they can be used as bioindicators of forest plant succession. The results have shown that microarthropod community structures, particularly species diversity of oribatid and collembolan communities, are related to forest decline. Therefore they can be used as bioindicators of forest plant succession. In Tam Dao National Park, there was an inverse relation between species diversity of the oribatid and Collembola communities. The species diversity of the oribatid community gradually decreased with forest decline whereas the species diversity of the Collembola community gradually increased.

Changes within oribatid mite communities associted with Scots pine regeneration

Abstract. Compositions of oribatid mite communities were compared under five stages of native Scots pine regeneration (spanning 100 yr) within the Abernethy Forest Reserve, U.K. Sampling was conducted during autumn and spring, and oribatid mites identified using the morphospecies technique. Results showed the oribatid mite fauna to be abundant and diverse. Density of mites generally decreased with soil depth, however in the woodland sites the upper 10 cm of soil contained more individuals than the litter layer. Eleven morphospecies showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in abundance between sites, with marked preferences shown for either mature woodland or tree-less moorland. During spring, morphospecies richness and mite density were highest at the woodland sites, but during autumn they were greater at the moorland sites. Shannon Wiener diversity indices and measures of evenness, calculated for each site, showed that despite having a high morphospecies richness, sites were often dominated by a few very abundant morphospecies. A greater number of mites were collected during autumn, but only one morphospecies showed significant seasonal differences in numbers. Factors influencing differences in oribatid communities at each site are discussed and the use of morphospecies as an identification tool is also assessed.

Introduction of the epigeic earthworm Dendrobaena octaedra changes the oribatid community and microarthropod abundances in a pine forest

The effects of the activities of the epigeic earthworm Dendrobaena octaedra on the oribatid community and microarthropod abundances were studied in a 90-year old pine forest over 2 years. Oribatids were extracted from the L and FH layers and the A h and B m horizons at 1 and 2 years and data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). High worm biomass correlated positively with oribatid species richness and diversity in the L layer. In the FH layer, worm biomass accounted for 83% of the variation in the oribatid community data and correlated negatively with oribatid species richness. High worm biomass correlated with decreases in the abundances of 18 oribatid species, and the total abundances of adult and juvenile oribatids, astigmatids, mesostigmatids, Actinedida and Arthropleona in the FH layer. These effects were attributed to the changes in the physical structure of the organic layers of the soil. In the A h and B m horizons the C–N ratio accounted for 72–97% of the variation in the oribatid species and microarthropod group data. The abundances of O. nova, other Oppioidea, several Brachychthoniidae, C. cuspidatus and adult (in the A h horizon only) and juvenile oribatids, and Arthropleona were positively correlated with the C–N ratio. This reflected the mixing of less decomposed organic matter into the lower horizons by D. octaedra.

The biodiversity and dynamics of oribatid mites in rice paddies

Species abundance, biodiversity, distribution and population dynamics within and among oribatid mite communities were studied in rice paddies of China from October 1995 to November 1996. The Shannon-Wiener Index of Diversity and the Evenness Index indicated that the abundance and diversity of oribatids in rice paddies varied among locations and was lower than that of a typical forest ecosystem. The ability to resist environmental disturbance was low in the oribatid communities in sub-tropical monsoon areas and was more stable in monsoon temperate zones. The relative proportion of higher oribatid mites to lower oribatid mites in rice paddies is higher than that of other communities. The oribatid mites in paddy fields were mainly distributed in the upper layers of soil, which is similar to the distribution in the forest ecosystem, but the ability to distribute horizontally indicated their tendency to migrate freely within these layers. Water was an important factor allowing oribatid mites to migrate freely. The spatial distribution on rice plants indicated that mites were aggregated except there was a more even distribution in the later stages of rice maturity. Humidity and temperature, which are known to significantly affect oribatid communities in other habitats, did not significantly influence community structure on rice plants. The oribatid communities on rice was strongly affected by both mite migration and dispersion.

Oribatid communities (Acari: Oribatida) inhabiting saxicolous mosses and lichens in the Krkonoše Mts. (Czech Republic)

Composition, structure and diversity of oribatid communities inhabiting saxicolous mosses and lichens were studied in the Krkonoše Mts. (Czech Republic) along an altitudinal gradient reaching from submontane to alpine belt. Samples of various saxicolous mosses and lichens from 197 stands were collected. Impact of altitude and dominant moss or lichen species on community structure were analysed. Data were evaluated using divisive cluster analysis and direct ordination analysis. Altogether 104 oribatid species were recorded. Four groups of saxicolous habitats, which differ in the composition of their oribatid communities, were distinguished: 1. Mosses below the upper forest line with accessory higher plants growing on their surface. Higher plants indicate favourable moisture conditions and an appreciable degree of humus layer development. Their oribatid mite community is rich in number of frequent species and consists of ubiquitous species, ubiquitous species with higher requirements for moisture and amount of decaying organic matter, a high number of soil dwelling species and several hygrophilous species. 2. Mosses below the upper forest line without accessory higher plants. They predominantly include mosses with no or only a weakly developed humus layer. Their oribatid mite community is composed mainly of ubiquitous species and a few soil dwelling species. 3. Mosses in open areas above the upper forest line. Their humus layer is not developed at all or only weakly. Humidity and temperature fluctuations are here much higher compared with mosses below the upper forest line, which are protected by the specific forest microclimate. Their oribatid mite community is poor in number of frequent and dominant species and consists predominantly of Oribatula cf. pallida and two specialised species living exclusively in mosses and lichens (Mycobates tridactylus and Trichoribates monticola). 4. Saxicolous lichens. Their oribatid community comprises ubiquitous species, species frequent both in mosses and lichens and several species with a strong affinity to lichens (Mycobates carli and five species of the genus Carabodes).

Effects of dry sludge application on soil microarthropod communities in a reclaimed desert ecosystem

Summary The ecological impact of dried sewage sludge addition to reclaimed soil was assessed by comparing soil microarthropod fauna (oribatid and collembolan populations) of sewage sludge treated plots with those of adjacent control plots. An Egyptian orchard of newly reclaimed soil cultivated with guava trees (sandy soil) at E1 Salheya region was selected for the present investigation. Sludge application was performed at three doses i.e. 1.6 ton/ha, 3.3 ton/ha and 6.5 ton/ha. Four replicates were conducted for each dose application through a one-year period (during the four seasons). Sludge application had a marked influence on some soil microarthropods but no influence could be detected on others. The intensity of the effect was strongly correlated to sludge doses. Also, a marked quantitative and qualitative influence could be observed on soil-bound mites. It was discovered that application of sludge up to 6.5 ton/ha over the period of a year to the reclaimed area produced a marked significant effect on the oribatid community. Scheloribates laevigatus, Epilohmannia c. cylindrica and Isotomina thermophila may serve as bioindicators to evaluate the role of sewage sludge application on the soil habitat.

Specific features of the oribatid fauna in high-mountain pine forests of the Eastern Caucasus in relation to altitudinal zonality

The abundance, structure, and distribution of oribatid communities in high-mountain pine forest biotopes of the Eastern Caucasus are described in dependence on elevation above sea level. The oribatid fauna of high-mountain pine forests proved to be characterized by high abundance, an assortment of dominants, and species richness. It was shown that, as the elevation increases, specific dominants typical of particular altitudinal zones appear in communities, and changes in the mass species occur. These species are stable in terms of their long-term dynamics, and zonal groups (communities) demonstrate a high species diversity.

Taxonomic and structural similarities in soil oribatid communities

We examined the taxonomic and structural concordance between oribatid mite communities at different sites from around the world using meta-analysis. The study explored similarities in the taxonomie composition and species abundance distributions among oribatid mite communities using 25 published species lists from Africa, Australia, Europe. Japan. Malaysia, New Zealand and the United States, The final data set contained 253 genera from 97 families in 43 superfamilies, A second data set, which included only studies where trees were present at the sites, contained 234 genera, 93 families and 41 superfamilies. Composition was analysed at taxonomic levels higher than species. Only two families and four superfamilies were present in > 90% of all studies. Two genera, six families and seven superfamilies were found in all sites with trees. Common families were different among habitats suggesting that habitat preferences may be expressed at the family level. There were very strong relationships between oribatid mite species richness and richness at higher taxonomic levels with r2 values for regression relationships > 0.8. Few species at a site were from the same genus, family or superfamily. Species abundance distributions were remarkably consistent between studies with the three most dominant species each constituting > 10% of the oribatid individuals. Overall, similar factors may determine the relative proportions of soil-dwelling oribatid species at a site.

Taxonomic and structural similarities in soil oribatid communities

We examined the taxonomic and structural concordance between oribatid mite communities at different sites from around the world using meta‐analysis. The study explored similarities in the taxonomie composition and species abundance distributions among oribatid mite communities using 25 published species lists from Africa, Australia, Europe. Japan. Malaysia, New Zealand and the United States, The final data set contained 253 genera from 97 families in 43 superfamilies, A second data set, which included only studies where trees were present at the sites, contained 234 genera, 93 families and 41 superfamilies. Composition was analysed at taxonomic levels higher than species. Only two families and four superfamilies were present in > 90% of all studies. Two genera, six families and seven superfamilies were found in all sites with trees. Common families were different among habitats suggesting that habitat preferences may be expressed at the family level. There were very strong relationships between oribatid mite species richness and richness at higher taxonomic levels with r2 values for regression relationships > 0.8. Few species at a site were from the same genus, family or superfamily. Species abundance distributions were remarkably consistent between studies with the three most dominant species each constituting > 10% of the oribatid individuals. Overall, similar factors may determine the relative proportions of soil‐dwelling oribatid species at a site.

Oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) colonizing the zinc metallurgic dump

The studies were conducted on the old zinc metallurgic dump in Katowice (Upper Silesia, Poland). The structure of oribatid mite communities and ecological data of mites at three sites varying in age of substrate and development of vegetation were analysed. In the course of the study 3742 individuals of oribatids, representing 32 species were collected. Colonization of the highly contaminated zinc dump by oribatid mites proceeds slowly. Oribatid communities were characterized by low abundance, low number of species and unstable structure, however the community at the oldest site was better developed. Some of the pioneer species, e.g. Oppiella nova, Tectocepheus velatus, Ceratozetes peritus and Punctoribates punctum have been noted previously as mites which colonize postindustrial wastelands, whereas Ramusella assimilis and Latilamellobates incisellus have been rarely observed in devastated biotopes. A preponderance of eurytopic species, characterized by broad zoogeographical distribution was typical for oribatid communities on the zinc dump.

Oribatid mite communities (Acari: Oribatida) on postindustrial dumps of different kinds. II. Community organization

Oribatid mites of five postindustrial dumps (zinc and iron metallurgic dumps, dumps of power and chemical plants and a galena-calamine mine dump) were investigated in the Upper Silesian Region (south Poland). The age of dumps and the development of the vegetation were similar. 108 species of Oribatida were found on dumps. Dominance and the species structure of oribatid communities and ecological data of mites were analysed. Different oribatid communities were described on each dump with regard to dominance structure, species combination and species diversity. The most stable and dissimilar was the oribatid community on the galena-calamine dump. The major part of the communities comprised eurytopic species of broad distribution. Although, the number of microphytophagous species was higher in general, panphytophages exceeded 50% of the total numbers on three dumps.

Impacts of the epigeic earthworm Dendrobaena octaedra on oribatid mite community diversity and microarthropod abundances in pine forest floor: a mesocosm study

The effects of the invasion of the epigeic earthworm Dendrobaena octaedra on the pine forest floor oribatid mite community and the abundances of microarthropods were studied in mesocosm. The study was conducted in intact soil cores (30 cm diameter × 25 cm) from the pine forest at constant moisture content and 15°C for 6 months. D. octaedra was added to half the cores at abundances equivalent to its 1993 field density of 250 immatures and 70 matures m −2. At 3 and 6 months, earthworm densities and microarthropod abundances were assessed. High earthworm densities increased the similarity between the oribatid communities in adjacent soil layers/horizons. Oribatid dominance by Oppiella nova decreased and overall oribatid diversity increased in the earthworm treatment at 3 months. At 6 months oribatid species richness increased in the earthworm treatment. Earthworm activities had varying effects on abundances of oribatid species and groups of microarthropods, but maximum abundances tended to occur at intermediate levels of earthworm activity.

Soil oribatid mite communities (Acari: Oribatida) from high Shaba (Zaïre) in relation to vegetation

Soil oribatid mite communities from three vegetation types (forest, woodland and savanna) are described in Luiswishi (high Shaba, Zaïre) and 151 species were recorded. Oribatid communities are organized along a successional gradient which parallels the regressive sere defined by phytosociologists and going from the dense forest (“muhulu”), the local climax, to the savanna, passing through the woodland (“miombo”). Within this gradient, oribatid communities may vary depending on the habitat (presence of grass, high termitaria). The impact of seasons (dry vs. rainy season) is weak in the forest but drastic in savanna. The various soil oribatid communities are related to man's activities since the regressive sere results from repeated bumings and associated agricultural practices.

Classification and ordination of communities of soil arthropods in an urban park of Osaka City

To assess the effect of management of a park on soil arthropods, communities of Oribatida and Collembola were analyzed at 11 sites of different vegetation in Tsurumi Park, an urban park of Osaka City. The type of canopy layer and soil density strongly affected the community parameters, such as species diversity. Ordination revealed that soil density, contents of organic matter, and shrub layer were important for variety in the oribatid community; the shrub layer was important for the collembolan community. Species richness of both arthropod groups was highest in a mixed forest and lowest on bare land, while the abundance of Collembola was highest on a lawn site. Areas of a common vegetation type had a similar oribatid community;Trichogalumma nipponica dominated in deciduous forests,Eohypochthonius crassisetiger in mixed forests and one of coniferous forests. On the other hand, collembolan communities did not correspond with the vegetation.Sminthurinus sp. was collected from every site, and the most abundant species wasCryptopygus thermophilus that exhibited an outbreak on lawn sites. A significant correlation existed between species diversities but not between abundances of Oribatida and Collembola.