Abstract: 【Aim】 This study was carried out to gain an understanding of the distribution and composition of oribatid soil mites in karst areas in Shibing, Guizhou, Southwestern China. 【Methods】 We examined the effects of forest management and forest type on the abundance, species diversity and community structure of oribatid mites in Shibing karst areas. Eight sites were chosen to represent typical forest types in the study area, including three natural evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forests, two coniferous plantations, one natural coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest, one planted bamboo grove and one natural shrub in a valley. Nine soil samples were collected at each site. The oribatid mites were extracted by a Berlese-Tullgren funnel over 24 h in August 2012. 【Results】 The results indicated that Perscheloribates and Protoribates were the most abundant genera collected in the eight sites in Shibing karst areas in Southwestern China, accounting for 22.48% and 11.45% of the total catch, respectively. Protoribates, Epilohmannia, Oppiella, Suctobelbella and Tectocepheus were the most widespread in eight sites or seven sites in this region. The oribatid faunal exhibited characteristics of pantropical and subtropical regions at the genus level. Sites with natural evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forests supported rich individuals and genera, whereas the highest Shannon and lowest Berger-Parker indices were observed in coniferous plantations. The oribatid assemblages at all sites were dissimilar, even between sites of the same vegetation type. The oribatid communities were particularly and significantly variable in evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forests. 【Conclusion】 The species diversity and community stability of oribatids are affected by the unique characteristics of karst ecosystems in Shibing, and the natural evergreen and broadleaved deciduous forests serve as an ecological “ark” for preserving oribatids in this ecosystem.

Key words: Oribatid mites, community composition, species diversity, karst area, Shibing, Southwestern China