PHENOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF SOIL MICROARTHROPODS FROM 3 CLIMATE REGIONS

The phenological patterns of Acari and Collembola from three climate r egions (Monsoon, Mediterranean and Temperate) were analysed by using a phenological model. The phenograms derived are compared on the ground s of certain parameters of the model. Phenograms of animals inhabiting the temperate region were not periodic but a pattern of periodic vert ical movements is evident in the case of Collembola. In both the monso on and the Mediterranean regions, the populations exhibit seasonal pat terns of abundance oscillations following the seasonality of the clima te. Differences between taxa as well as between regions are discussed.