The movement of springtails (Collembolan) and mites (Acari) in relation to terrain and weather conditions at Cape Bird

This study investigated the changing position of the concentrations of both the collembolan species Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni and two mite species. Regular sampling of a transect set out across a large basin containing localised populations was completed with the density and total numbers and position in relation to terrain recorded regularly and the movement of the local groups followed as they shifted in response to soil water content. Weather conditions allowing movement of collembola across the exposed surface of the ground were determined by direct observations under differing conditions.