Myriapoda (Diplopoda, Chilopoda) of the Southern Cultures Park (Krasnodar Province, Southern Russia): unappreciated biodiversity

Abstract

The biodiversity of botanical gardens and arboreta is typically assessed by vegetation, birds, and insects such as beetles and butterflies. At the same time, most of the invertebrate animals live in litter and soil, while remaining hidden and poorly studied. Here we present the results of studies of two classes of myriapods in Southern Cultures Park, Adler, Krasnodar Province, Russia. During 2021, the diversity and abundance of myriapods were assessed by quantitative data obtained using pitfall traps. From these traps, 20 species of diplopods and 14 species of chilopods were recorded. Alpha diversity of myriapods was significantly higher (p=0.043) in the spring-summer season in comparison to summer-fall. Beta diversity also significantly differed (p≤0.031) between these seasons. The abundance of Brachyiulus lusitanus (p=0.018), Polydesmus mediterraneus (p=0.047), Julus colchicus (p=0.020), and Cylindroiulus placidus (p=0.047) was significantly higher in the spring season, while in the summer season, the abundance of Anthroleucosomatidae Gen. sp.1 (p=0.047) was significantly dominant. Also, from 2018 to 2024, using hand collection from litter, 2 additional species of diplopods and 7 species of chilo pods were recorded. Species of myriapods that were not previously recorded in Russia and introduced species were identified and illustrated.