Potential effects of climatic warming on the distribution of Collembola along an altitudinal transect in Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Collembola were collected from pitfall traps at each of five altitudes, 300, 500, 700, 900 and 1100 m above sea level (a.s.l.) in Lamington National Park, Queensland. All samples were collected in October 2006 (spring). Sites were located in subtropical rainforest except for those at 1100 m which were in cool temperate rainforest where Nothofagus moorei (F. Muell) Krasser was dominant. Specimens collected were identified to species or morphospecies. Over 60 taxa (species and morphospecies) were identified from more than 7000 specimens. Species assemblages were significantly related to altitude generally showing a progressive change in composition with increasing altitude. Assemblages at the highest altitude of 1100 m were particularly distinct and several taxa were restricted to this altitude. Altitudinal patterns of assemblages of Collembola are compared with those of some other invertebrates from the same transect and suggestions for the differences offered. A review of altitudinal zonation in Collembola in various regions and climatic zones is provided