Diversity of Oribatid Mites (Acari : Oribatida) in Namsan and Kwangreung Deciduous Forests

남산과 광릉 활엽수림지역의 날개응애류(Acari : Oribatida) 종 구성

This study was conducted to analyze oribatid mites communities in deciduous forests in Namsan and Kwangreung on which different levels of environmental stresses might press, and to select potential condidate of biological indicator species. In overall, pH was lower in soil than in litter layer. Also soil pH, total nitrate content and soluble sulfate content were significantly higher in Namsan than in Kwangreung (p<0.05). The flora in Namsan and Kwangreung deciduous forests were dominated by Quercus mongolica, and Carpinus laxiflora respectively. It indicated that Namsan was in the lower stage of the floral succession. The number of species of oribatid mites was significantly higher in Kwangreung (39 families, 65 genera and 114 species) than in Namsan (32 families, 53 genera and 89 species) (p<0.05). Common species found in two regions were 77 species. Mean density of oribatid mites was 1.8 times higher in Kwangreung than in Namsan and this difference came mainly from litter layer. Among correlation analyses between environmental factors and oribatid mites density and species number, only density was negatively correlated with fresh litter depth in Namsan litter layer (r=-0.89, p<0.05). The pH which was considered to affect distribution of oribatid mites didn't show significant results.