Abstract
Reproductive and nutritional biology of the oribatid mite Tectocepheus velatus were studied in populations inhabiting five adjacent or approximate biotopes in the Czech Republic - agroecosystem, shrubland, calcareous steppe, grassland and pine woodland - over two years (1994-96). No males were found, and most adult females were gravid with one or two eggs.
The juvenile/adult ratio fluctuated during the year and reached higher values at sites with higher value of dominance of T. velatus. Food consumption dynamics and food types did not vary seasonally, and were similar in all biotopes studied.
With histological methods, food was observed throughout the year and in all parts of the alimentary tract in all juveniles. In adults, two basic types of food bolus were found: (1) a compact bolus with a surface coat, which sometimes contained hyphae and spores, and (2) a loose substance without any membrane.
Bacteria were observed in the mesenteron. Haemocytes were more obvious in specimens with food in the alimentary tract.
Thus, among the populations studied the nature of the biotope, including anthropological influences, has a negligible effect on the nutritive and reproductive biology of T. velatus.