Temporal and spatial dynamics of arthropod groups in terrestrial subsurface habitats in central Portugal

The mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS) can act as a climatic refuge for invertebrates, biogeographic corridor to deeper substrates or permanent habitat some species. This study characterizes the seasonal invertebrate diversity and abundance of MSS ecosystems in central Portugal focusing on Diplopoda, Diplura, Orthoptera Coleoptera during one year. Sampling was performed with standard pitfalls scree slopes (colluvial MSS) karst areas environmental parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, water content, organic carbon, nitrate, phosphate ammonium) were quantified. Our results show that winter season highest arthropod acts chordeumatidan millipedes orthopterans most beetles. All Diplura collected belong single species known previously from surface habitats Iberian Peninsula, which does not seem use Portuguese refuge. Portugal, classified western Mediterranean thermophile deposits protected by Natura 2000 network based plant communities geology, revealed an abundant diverse community urges characterization protection.