Data of Qualitative and quantitative change of fatty acid profile in water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) as a factor influencing survival at low temperatures.

In this study, we investigated the fatty acids production rates in water mites in relation to the cold acclimation process. We used individuals of five Hydrachnidia species, each representing different types of aquatic environments, and divided them into four groups, three of which were subjected to the cold acclimation and kept in temperature 4oC for 7, 14 and 21 days respectively, and the control group was kept in temperature 20oC. At the end of the experiment, the fatty acids profiles were analyzed with gas chromatography method. The results showed that the acclimation significantly increased the fatty acids production, especially long-chain fatty acids. We also observed differences in fatty acids profiles between species. The most enhanced fatty acids production, as compared to the control group, was observed in species Limnochares aquatica and Piona nodata, typical for small water bodies susceptible to freezing over; these species display overall highest survival rates in low temperatures. Furthermore, for these species, the extension of the acclimation period had no effect. The extended period of acclimation affected rheobionts, Sperchon clupeifer and Sperchonopsis verrucosa, the most, as they increased the fatty acids production after long time.