Diversity patterns and ecological network features of soil mite trophic groups in karst cave ecosystems

This study selected four typical karst caves near Mount Fanjing in Guizhou Province (27°27'N-27°58′N, 108°30'E-109°06′E) in July 2024 as study sites (Longjing Cave has only a dark zone). The multidimensional diversity and network characteristics of mite communities along light intensity gradients within the caves were investigated. The caves were divided into zones based on light intensity: entrance zone, light zone, weak light zone, front dark zone, middle dark zone, and rear dark zone. Additionally, a farmland area was established as a control site. We randomly collected six soil samples from each cave gradient using a 10 cm diameter knife and shovel, totaling 150 soil cores. The soil samples were then sealed in breathable cotton bags. Finally, we collected soil animals using a Berles-Tullgren funnel in the soil animal separation laboratory. Under a stereomicroscope, we selected and separated soil mites from the soil animal community, then prepared temporary slides of mite specimens. Using reference materials for identification, we conducted morphological identification of all adult mite specimens under a microscope, identifying all mites to the genus level.Supplementary Tables:Table S1: Genus-level nutritional group classification of cave mites (Tables S1.1–S1.4 provide classification criteria and literature references).Table S2: Body length, body width, and body shape of mites under cave light gradients.Table S3: Abundance of cave mites.Table S4: Sampling quantities and cave characteristics of four karst caves.