Contribution to succession of mite (Acari) communities in the soil of Tilio-Carpinetum Tnłcz. 1962 in northern Poland

Abstract

Research on the mite (Acari) succession was carried out within six deciduous forest stands of various ages dominated by lime trees (Tilia cordata Mill.). The general mite density was correlated with the age of each stand (r=0.596). Four orders of mites were recorded – the Cryptostigmata were dominant and their abundance initially decreased and then increased following the ageing of the forest stands. A similar tendency was recorded for the Mesostigmata. The abundance of the Astigmata presented a general increasing tendency and was positively correlated with the age of the forest stands. High correlations noted between the density of the Cryptostigmata, Mesostigmata and Prostigmata can indicate trophic and competitive relations between those mite communities. Among the families belonging to the Mesostigmata four succession trends of abundance and percentage share changes were found: creative (Macrochelidae and Trematuridae), regressive (Ascidae), rise and fall (Pachylaelapidae, Parasitidae, Veigaiidae and Laelapidae) and restorative (Rhodacaridae).