02032nas a2200253 4500008004100000022001400041245012600055210006900181260001500250300001400265490000700279520124800286653001401534653002801548653001401576653001901590653001801609653001701627100001701644700002201661700002401683700002201707856004901729 2020 eng d a2037-463100aCentipede assemblages (Chilopoda) in high-altitude landforms of the Central-Eastern Italian Alps: diversity and abundance0 aCentipede assemblages Chilopoda in highaltitude landforms of the c31/08/2020 a1071-10870 v313 a

Centipedes (Chilopoda) are widespread and abundant predators in several kind of habitats, from forests to caves. Very few quantitative data are currently available for alpine habitats, specifically those located at high-altitudes. In this paper, we analysed data on centipedes collected by pitfall traps on different high-altitude landforms of the Central-Eastern Italian Alps, specifically on rock glaciers, debris-covered glaciers, glacier forelands, stable slopes, and scree slopes. We investigated the species richness and abundance (activity density) of individuals in each landform and the relationships between species occurrence and environmental variables in the investigated landforms. The obtained results highlighted non-significant differences in species richness between the landforms, but significant differences in individual abundance and species distribution. Soil organic matter, soil gravel percentage and altitude resulted the main variables affecting the species distribution; a clear preference for landforms located near the treeline was highlighted. Lithobius lucifugus resulted the dominant and most common species as well as the only species able to colonise debris-covered glaciers.

 

10aChilopods10aDebris-covered glaciers10amountains10aOrganic matter10aRock glaciers10aScree slopes1 aGobbi, Mauro1 aCaccianiga, Marco1 aCompostella, Chiara1 aZapparoli, Marzio uhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12210-020-00952-4