Dominant species and ecology of gamasid mites’ rhododendron-herb pine forests of Transbaikalia

Gamasid mites are most diverse and unique group of animals. They are characterized by a diversity of habitats, settling the soil, forest litter, moss, nests of birds and mammals, storage of human food supply. The article deals with the results of many- year own research. The dominant species of the gamasid mites were defined in the soil and litter rhododendron-herb pine forests of the Transbaikalia region in different seasons. The fauna of gamasid mites of the studied biotope was represented by 66 species belonging to 12 families. The mites of 33 species were collected in the litter, 16 - in the soil, 19 species - both in the litter and in the soil. The species composition of gamasid mites’ complexes of rhododendron- herb pine may vary by season, which is most evident in spring and autumn. The most part of the spring, summer and autumn complexes were represented by species of the families: Rhodacaridae (Gamasellus silvaticus), Veigaiaidae (Veigaia belovae), Laelaptidae (Hipoaspis (G.) praesternalis, Zerconidae (Zercon davydovae). Their occurrence, abundance and sex indices were determined. The abundance and occurrence indices were maximal in July - August.