The effect of mowing on moss mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Xerothermic reserve Gruczno

Abstract

The xerothermic plant communities mowing with different frequency and the brushwood of blackthorn overgrowing the not mowing surface of reserve were investigated. Populations of Oribatida were more numerous in the mowing terrains than in the brushwood. The number of species of Oribatida and the Shannon Index were similar in the investigated plots. In the swards surfaces the occurrence of the xerophilous species of Oribatida was found.

Keywords

• oribatid mites
• xerotherm
• mowing