Songbird nests on the ground as islands of diversity of ptyctimous mites (Acari: Oribatida) in the primeval Bialowieza Forest (Poland).

ABSTRACT: Due to specific microclimatic conditions and accumulation of organic matter, bird nests are microhabitats that are often inhabited by various invertebrates, including mites (Acari). We tested whether nests of the ground-nesting passerine Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechstein) (Passeriformes: Phylloscopidae) [wood warbler] were associated with an increased local diversity of ptyctimous mites (Acari: Oribatida) on the forest floor in the Białowieża National Park, East Poland. In 2019-2020, we analysed 150 warbler nests shortly after they had been vacated by the birds, and additionally we sampled mites in leaf litter at 1 and 6 m distances from 21 of the collected nests. We found on average more mite species in nests sampled in 2020 than in nests sampled in 2019. Although the species composition

SUBMITTER: Niedbala W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10406712 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature