Damaeid mite species (Acari, Oribatida, Damaeidae) and their occurrence in subterranean habitats. A case study from the Romanian Carpathians

Mountain scree habitats, part of the Mesovoid Shallow Substratum (MSS), represent a transitional zone between the surface and the deep underground environment. They consist of a network of small cracks and voids, characterized by distinct environmental conditions, the presence of troglobitic species and is closely connected to the deeper subterranean environments (caves). Our study focused on the family Damaeidae, a group of oribatid mites that includes several troglophilic representatives, within two types of MSS (nude and fixed) in the Romanian Carpathians. Using two sampling methods (drillings and pitfall traps), we examined (a) the diversity and community structure of Damaeidae in the two MSS types and in edaphic habitats within a subalpine area of the Piatra Craiului National Park, Southern Carpathians, Romania, and (b) the relationship between the MSS type and the diversity and community composition of Damaeidae species. Our results showed that approximately 80% of the damaeid mite species were found in MSS habitats, while only four species occurred in the edaphic environment. The most abundant species was Kunstidamaeus lengersdorfi (Willmann, 1932). The two habitat types (scree and edaphic) significantly influenced species distribution patterns. Additionally, Damaeus firmus Kunst, 1958 was recorded for the first time in the Romanian fauna.