The life-cycle and spatial distribution of Glomeris balcanica (Diplopoda, Glomeridae) in an evergreen sclerophyllous formation in northern Greece

The life cycle and spatial distribution of Glomeris balcanica (Diplopoda, Glomeridae) in an evergreen-sclerophyllous formation in northern Greece. Pedobiologia 35, 1-10. Spatial distribution and population dynamics of the diplopod Glomeris balcanica inhabiting the organic layers of a Quercus coccifera formation in northern Greece was studied.The population aggregates almost throughout the year in the humus layers of the inner parts of the Q. coccifera shrubs. Mean overall population density was 102.9 ind. . m-. Phenological data imply that G. balcanica initiates one generation every three years. Anamorphosis lasts for about 2 years and maturity is reached within 3-3.5 years. The reproductive potential of the animal is low, just enough to ensure a stable population density from generation to generation.According to our results, the life cycle of G. balcanica is adjusted to the periodicity of the temperature-humidity complex in the study area, a feature which in conjuction with the biological characteristics of the animal, makes it a successful colonizer in an environment hostile to other macrosaprophagous species.