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Has .i.Tilia x euchlora./i. a detrimental effect on soil annelids in urban greens?
Schlaghamerský, J. ; Khodabocus, J.B. ; Pižl, Václav
The potential effect of the exotic linden .i.Tilia x euchlora./i., widely planted in urban greens, on soil-dwelling annelids (Lumbricidae, Enchytraeidae) was investigated in two parks in the city of Brno, Czech Republic. Linden trees are the source of honeydew that might affect soil biota and remains an important input of these trees into the soil compartment even if litter is being removed as part of the park management. There have also been discussions about the alleged toxicity of .i.T. x euchlora./i. nectar to pollinators. The native .i.T. platyphyllos./i. was used as a control. Within two days in November 2006 annelids were sampled at three different distances (1 m, 3 m, 6 m) along transects from the trees to well developed lawns. Earthworms were extracted by the electrical-octet method, enchytraeids by wet funnel extraction from soil cores taken down to 12 cm.
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Digestive enzymes in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) : a short review
Šustr, Vladimír ; Schlick-Steiner, B.C. ; Steiner, F. M.
The literature data on the digestive enzymes present in different taxonomic groups of ants are reviewed and their patterns of occurrence across the various groups are tested. Data are available on 32 digestive enzymes from 62 ant species from 15 tribes belonging to seven subfamilies (Dolichoderinae, Ecitoninae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae, Paraponerinae, Ponerinae, and Pseudomyrmecinae). Leaf-cutter ants (Myrmicinae, higher Attini) are the best-investigated group. Nearly all analysed enzymes were present in all the species investigated, irrespective of taxonomic group. The only significant difference across taxonomic groups concerns enzymes that attack plant structural polysaccharides (cellulases, pectinase, xylanase). These were more frequent in leaf-cutter ants than in other groups. To detect potential additional differences between groups differing in their feeding habits, more comprehensive qualitative data acquisition will be necessary.
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Changes in centipede assemblages (Chilopoda) along the vertical and vegetation gradient in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland
Wytwer, J. ; Tajovský, Karel
Changes in community parameters of the centipede assemblages in habitats with different vegetation along the vertical gradient were studied in the Bieszczady National Park, Poland. Ten stands, from riparian alder forest through eutrophic beech forests to open habitats in subalpine grasslands, within the altitude range 612–1,218 m a.s.l. were sampled. Pitfall trapping and soil sampling were used for the collection of animals since June 2005 till June 2006. In total, 848 specimens of centipedes belonging to 19 species were sampled. Among them, the species .i.Lithobius latro./i. was recorded in Poland for the first time. .i.Lithobius lucifugus, Strigamia transsilvanica, Geophilus insculptus, Schendyla carniolensis./i. were found in this region of Poland for the first time. Specimens of the genus .i.Stenotaenia./i. recorded in the study sites represent a new stenotopic species. Between 7 and 14 species were found in each stand.
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Vliv okusu spárkatou zvěří na chutnost listového opadu pro mnohonožky (Diplopoda)
Ashili, P. ; Tajovský, Karel ; Tuf, I.H. ; Tufová, J.
Millipedes were used as a model group of decomposers for experimental study focusing on this aspect of ungulate - plant - soil invertebrate relationship. Leaf litter and millipedes (.i.Glomeris klugii, Glomeris hexasticha, Glomeris connexa, Julus scandinavius, Leptoiulus proximus, Megaphyllum projectum, Unciger foetidus./i.) were collected at forest localities in the Křivoklátsko PLA and BR, Czech Republic. Palatability of leaves from two different plots was compared. Leaf litter of beech (.i.Fagus silvatica./i.) and hornbeam (.i.Carpinus betulus./i.) was collected in autumn and spring in both plots and used in laboratory tests with millipedes. Consumption differed significantly between the individual experiments. Millipedes preferred hornbeam leaf litter over beech leaves, leaf litter from the fenced plot over that from the grazed plot, and fresh litter over old, overwintered leaves.
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