Woodlice and millipedes in small forest fragments in Europe: possible implications for litter decomposition

Arthropods play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter. Soil macrofauna, such as wood lice, earth worms and millipedes, represent the first step in the process of litter decomposition on forest floors. They reduce large particles to smaller sizes and are therefore functionally important regarding nutrient cycling. In this study we focus on the distribution of woodlice and millipedes in the forest interior and edges of small forest fragments in agricultural landscapes. Arthropods were sampled using pitfalls in 224 deciduous forest fragments in 7 regions across Europe from south France to central Sweden. Woodlice and millipedes show different patterns and respond in a different way to forest edges. Woodlice were far more abundant in forest edges compared to interiors. This pattern was less clear for millipedes. Also the intensification of the surrounding landscape influences the species composition and numbers, with more individuals in more intensively used landscapes. These relatively immobile species groups show to be strong indicators for the age but less for the size of forest fragments. The differences in species composition and numbers of these important detritivores among forest patches and landscapes is discussed with respect to litter decomposition.

ISBN:9789949971503

Publication year:2015

Accessibility:Closed