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The Distribution of Halacaridae (Acari: Prostigmata) Among Macroalgae on Sheltered Rocky Shores

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

P.J. Somerfield
Affiliation:
Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH
F. Jeal
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland

Extract

Clumps of macroalgae on sheltered shores exposed at low tide provide a mosaic of micro-habitats for halacarid mites. The predominant pattern is one of zonation, with the level of high water neap tides limiting the distribution of many species of Halacaridae. Within emersed clumps of macroalgae four micro-habitats are recognized: the dry surface layer of the clump; damp fronds within the clump retaining surface moisture; lower stipes and holdfasts; the surface of the substratum between the holdfasts. Halacaridae are spatially segregated, different species being associated with different micro-habitats within clumps. This has implications for the way in which intertidal phytal meiofaunal communities are sampled. In general damp fronds from within seaweed clumps are collected. Species characteristically associated with stipes, holdfasts and the substratum beneath the clumps are probably under-represented in the majority of collections, and may, therefore, be considered rare.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1996

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