A multiscale approach to evaluate the structure of diversity of Collembola in boreo-nemoral forests of the Russian Plain

Collembola is a group of numerous ubiquitous small soil-dwelling arthropods decomposing the plant residues. The study analyses diversity structure this in mesic conditions coniferous, mixed, and broad-leaved forests. Sample plots were located three Protected Areas Moscow Region (Losiny Ostrov National Park Valuyevsky Forest Park) Smolensk (Smolenskoe Poozerye Park). In total, 70 species registered forest litter. Two Asian origin, namely Appendisotoma stebayevae (noted Europe for first time) Vertagopus asiaticus (the second record area). number was close to genera, indicating allochthonous character fauna central Russian Plain. A multiscale approach applied sampling design. This allowed us assess at various spatial scales: from 1 m hundreds kilometres. scheme included two regions, four localities, 12 sample sites, 36 plots; latter m2 smallest area unit). data analysis based on concept alpha-beta accompanied by additive partitioning method. region largest unit) most important factor forming diversity. type litter (coniferous vs. broad-leaved) less significant; habitat heterogeneity made even contribution. On average, comprised about quarter entire list studied richness forests more variable space time compared coniferous mixed forests; transitional pattern observed. composition varied between seasons year when considering same sites areas, seasonal changes highly, very pronounced insignificant. new traits discussed as affecting patterns dynamics