Influence of holm oak leaf decomposition stage on the biology of Onychiurus sinensis Stach (Collembola : Onychiuridae)

The trophic attractiveness of different stages of development and decomposi tion of helm oak leaves and the influence of their nutritional quality on t he biology of the springtail Onychiurus sinensis were studied. Collembola f ed preferentially on leaves at an advanced stage of decomposition. Biologic al parameters such as moulting, fecundity, survival rate and Linear growth, indicated the influence of the quality of food upon the biology of these m icroarthropods, Whole parameters were maximized when the leaves were more d ecayed and when the nitrogen content was the highest. (C) 2000 Editions sci entifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.