Centipede assemblages (Chilopoda) in high-altitude landforms of the Central-Eastern Italian Alps: diversity and abundance

摘要: Centipedes (Chilopoda) are widespread and abundant predators in several kind of habitats, from forests to caves. Very few quantitative data currently available for alpine specifically those located at high-altitudes. In this paper, we analysed on centipedes collected by pitfall traps different high-altitude landforms the Central-Eastern Italian Alps, rock glaciers, debris-covered glacier forelands, stable slopes, scree slopes. We investigated species richness abundance (activity density) individuals each landform relationships between occurrence environmental variables landforms. The obtained results highlighted non-significant differences landforms, but significant individual distribution. Soil organic matter, soil gravel percentage altitude resulted main affecting distribution; a clear preference near treeline was highlighted. Lithobius lucifugus dominant most common as well only able colonise glaciers.