Arthropods in nests of the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) in Poland

Beetles, moths, spiders and mites collected from the nests of the red-backe d shrike (Lanius collurio) in the years 1997-98 in a study area near Leszno in W Poland were analysed. The total number of nests checked was 28, and a rthropods were found in 75 % of them. Only one nest was inhabited by a para sitic arthropod species (the blowfly Protocalliphora azurea). Altogether tw o species of moths, five of beetles, two of spiders, and 44 species of mite s (21 spp. Oribatida and 23 spp. Gamasida) were identified. One species (Ty phlodromus wichmanni, Acari, Gamasida) was found for the first time, and on e (Paragarmania dentriticus, Acari, Gamasida) for the second time in Poland .