English

Diversity and structure of millipede communities (Diplopoda) in four different biotopes

Data from long-term observation of millipede communities in four different biotopes (field, fallow, meadow, forest), investigated as successive stages of abandoned fields, were used for evaluating their diversity and population structure. Species number as well as mean densities increased always from a field in crop rotation to older fallows, and in a forest soil (subclimax stage) these characteristics slightly decreased. The species diversity (Shannon-Wiener's index) bad the same course, as well. While in field in crop rotation species of the wedge ecomorphological type (order Polydesmida) predominated, in fallow millipede community subsequently differentiated (orders Julida, Polydesmida, Chordeumatida, and Glomerida). In forest the order Glomerida was the most abundant. Presence of vegetation cover and food resources seem to be important factors acting on the distribution and diversity of millipede populations.

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