What factors affect the alpha diversity of microarthropods (Acari, Collembola) on King George Island (Antarctica)?

Abstract

Abstract The natural environment in polar regions is being transformed, glaciers are melting and succession of microarthropods is being observed. We tested the hypothesis that habitat conditions, determined by the locality and character of the vegetation cover, play a significant role in such succession. The material for analysis was collected from four localities on King George Island in Antarctica: Arctowski Station, Demay Refuge, Republica del Ecuador Refuge and Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station. From each locality, 30 samples (grasses, lichens, mosses) were collected and 310 508 microarthropod specimens were recorded, with 17 species (1 Mesostigmata, 9 Oribatida, 7 Collembola species) identified. Based on statistical analyses, it was shown that microarthropod communities differ both in individual localities and selected microhabitats. The greatest number of species was reported in the grass turf, while the greatest number of individuals was recorded in mosses. The dominant species at all the localities was Cryptopygus antarcticus antarcticus (299 203 individuals), which was found in greatest numbers in grasses and mosses. In turn, Tullbergia mixta (2485 individuals) was the dominant species of the lichens. Moreover, the following species, new to King George Island, were also identified: Flagrosuctobelba subcornigera , Liochthonius australis , Membranoppia ventrolaminata and Quadroppia monstruosa belonging to Oribatida as well as Archisotoma brucei belonging to Collembola.