Geographical Differentiation of Mites from the Suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Dead Wood in Europe in the Light of Recent Research

Dead wood is an important microhabitat for Uropodina mites (Acari: Mesostigmata). Earlier research has shown that dead contains about 1/3 of the found so far in Poland, and its presence increases overall biodiversity forest ecosystems by 40%. The major aim current study to assess geographical variation species diversity inhabiting Poland other European countries. samples from (1180 total) were collected seven provinces eight countries (France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Slovakia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark). Fifty-two recovered Poland. highest number was recorded Wielkopolskie, lowest those Zachodniopomorskie. total examined surveyed 24 species, ranging 4 13 per country. most common material both studied Oodinychus ovalis (C.L. Koch, 1839) Pulchellaobovella pulchella (Berlese, 1904), though frequency areas low. differences fauna probably result difference extent carried out some regions lack sufficient data countries, as well highly diversified ranges species. obtained results clearly show there still a need further, more extensive research, based on larger whole continent.