High consistency of trophic niches in generalist arthropod species (Oribatida, Acari) across soil depth and forest type

Many traits including trophic niche parameters are attributed to species. However, generalist species may vary in trophic niches with environments, making species-based knowledge hard to extrapolate beyond local food webs. Here we tested trophic consistency in oribatid mite species (Acari), one of the most abundant arthropods that occupy all trophic levels in soil food webs. We used stable isotope analysis to compare trophic niches of 40 Oribatida species that co-occur in litter (O-L) and soil (0-5 cm, mainly O-F/H, A(H)) of five forest types (native European beech, non-native Douglas fir, range-expanding Norway spruce, two beech-conifer mixed forests). Although stable isotope signatures of bulk material differed between litter and soil, C-13 and (15) N values of Oribatida species were remarkably stable irrespective of soil depth. Furthermore, Oribatida were more enriched in C-13 in European beech than in coniferous forests, but forest type little affected (15) N values of Oribatida across a range of site conditions. We conclude that Oribatida species occupy virtually identical trophic niches (delta C-13 and delta N-15 values) irrespective of the soil depth they colonize and that forest management including non-native tree species little affects trophic position (delta N-15 values) of oribatid mites. Our findings suggest that the trophic position can be used as a trait in community analysis of Oribatida across forest ecosystems. Our results further indicate that trophic niches of generalist species can be highly consistent irrespective of environment.

Automated summary

This study tested the trophic consistency in oribatid mite species and found that they occupy virtually identical trophic niches irrespective of soil depth. The tree species influenced the C-13 values of oribatid mites, but had little effect on their N-15 values. The study suggests that trophic position can be used as a trait in community analysis of oribatid mites across forest ecosystems, and that the trophic niches of generalist species can be highly consistent regardless of the environment.