Diversity and distribution of the oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) in some grassland ecosystems from the lower section of the Prut meadow (Romania)

Abstract

This study comprises the results of researches carried on in some grassland ecosystems from the lower section of the Prut meadow, and aims to evidence the manner in which the changes of habitats due to the embankment measures are reflected at the level of the oribatid communities. The taxonomic, ecological, and zoogeographical spectrum of the fauna was analyzed, as well as the coenoses’ structure, in relation with the stand conditions. The oribatid fauna which populate the grasslands under study is adapted to the habitat conditions, having an obvious meso-hygrophilous – mesophilous feature. The coenological analysis put in evidence the different structure of the oribatid communities in the floodable perimeters compared with the embanked ones, which reflects the different bio-edaphic conditions.