The effects of altitude, time and habitat types on raphignathoid mite diversity (Acari: Raphignathoidea) of Pülümür Valley (Turkey)

In this thesis, raphignathoid mite (Acari: Raphignathoidea) species were investigated for 1 year in the Pülumur Valley and its surroundings located in the provincial borders of Tunceli. Raphignathoid mites, which are the subject of the study and have a wide distribution, are arthropods belonging to the Trombidiformes order and prefer semi-aquatic habitats, especially soil, and various habitats such as plant debris, moss, lichen, tree bark and hollows. A total of 70 mite species belonging to 6 families were identified from these habitats. Within the scope of the study, the changes of raphignathoid mite species diversity in and around Pülumur Valley according to habitat, time and altitude type were determined by using biodiversity indices. The greatest mite species diversity was detected in debris, moss and soil. The most common raphignathoid species, genus, and family are Neognathus terrestris, Eustigmaeus, and Stigmaeidae, respectively. Raphignatoid mites were detected at 1400-1500 m at most, and it was concluded that the most mite samples were encountered in autumn, followed by spring, summer and winter seasons, respectively.