Influence of Pleistocene glaciation on the distribution of three species of Labidostomma in Europe (Acari: Labidostommatidae)

Abstract

We present the results of research into the distribution and migration of three species of mites in the genus Labidostomma after the Pleistocene glaciation period in Europe. This study primarily focuses on the area of Poland, which was affected by the Scandinavian glacier four times. The migration trajectories of the species have been reconstructed on the basis of the current distribution, their altitude preferences, the sex ratio in populations of Labidostomma luteum, and the body size differences in different populations of L. luteum and L. denticulata. These species all have distributional limits in Poland: L. luteum—southeastern boundary, L. denticulata—northern, and Labidostomma cornuta—northwestern. Labidostomma luteum is a typically lowland species, L. cornuta occurred from 300 to 700 m a.s.l., and L. denticulata inhabits mountainous areas. The youngest populations of L. luteum and L. denticulata contain the smallest individuals. The number of males in populations of L. luteum is lower in northern areas of Europe, where the glacier has already retreated and the smaller specimens of L. luteum and L. denticulata were collected in the most remote habitats from the southern refugia where they succeeded in survival during the glaciation period.