Comparison of the species composition of Gamasina mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) in selected caves of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (southern Poland) and their immediate surroundings

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study performed in eight caves located in the area of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. In total, 586 samples (400 cm³ each) were taken from the caves and sites located up to one metre from the main entrances of the caves. Of 109 species belonging to 13 families that were identified, four were species new for Polish fauna. In this study, cluster analysis and correspondence analysis were used to compare the species composition of mite communities living in the caves and their immediate surroundings. We also examined the possibility of isolating troglophilic species based on IndVal analysis. Those results showed distinct differences between Gamasina mites living in two distinct habitats. We also established indicator species for the examined caves.

Keywords:

• Gamasina mites
• Polish caves
• statistical analysis
• troglophilic species

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Prof. C. Błaszak for suggestions regarding the article. This paper is part of the first author’s PhD thesis and was supported by research grant [No: N N304 319236] from Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.