LOCAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF TERRESTRIAL AMPHIPODS WITHIN HIGHLAND WET FORESTS IN CENTRAL TASMANIA

The occurrence of amphipods in relation to vegetation and litter param eters was examined using pitfall traps in eucalypt forests in three ar eas in the highlands of central Tasmania. Five species were trapped. K eratroides vulgaris dominated at all sites. Litter depth and cover wer e correlated with captures of K. vulgaris. Mysticotalitrus tasmaniae p referred wetter vegetation communities than did Keratroides vulgaris a nd was absent from the driest areas. The distribution of Mysticotalitr us cryptus amongst vegetation communities differed from that of other species but no environmental factors could be found to account for the pattern of occurrence of this species. Neorchestia plicibrancha was u ncommon and associated with poorly drained sites. Orchestiella neambul ans was the least captured species and showed the greatest preference for the wettest vegetation communities. The distribution patterns obta ined are explainable in terms of differences between species in their temperature and humidity tolerances and competition between species fo r habitat space.