Studies on predacious mites of the families Phytoseiidae, Cunaxidae and Stigmaeidae associated with natural pastures in Greece
Κnowledge on the mites associated with natural pastures in Greece is νery limited and concern the record of a
few cosmopolitan species. The present study deals with predacious mites which belong to the families Phytoseiidae, Cunaxidae and Stigrnaeidae and were found in natural pastures at various regions in Greece. Samples taken ftom pastures (grass and broad-leaved) and cultivated fodder plants (mainly Medicago sativa), showed the presence of 13 species belonging to the family Phytoseiidae, 4 to the family Cunaxidae and 13 to the family Stigmaeidae. Phytoseiid species belong to the genera Amblyseius (10 species) and Typhlodromus (3 species) among which 6 are widespread in Greece namely: Α. obtusus, Α . graminis, Α. bicaudus, Α. barkeri, Τ rhenanus and T. recki Cunaxid species belong to 3 genera: Cunaxa (2 species ), Cunaxoides (1 species) and Pulaι:us (1 species) among which 2 are widespread in Greece namely: Cunaxa capreolus and Cunaxoides croceus. Stigmaeid species belong to 9 genera: Agistemus (1 species), Eryngiopus (1 species), Eustigmaeus (3 species), Ledermuelleriopsis (1 species), Mediolata (1 species), Postumius (1 species), Stigmaeus (3 species), Storchia (1 species) and Zetzellia (1 species). From the aforementioned species, 12 are new records for Greece while 2 are new to science. Host and distribution data for each species are given.
Studies on Microarthropods associated with pastures in Co. Ioannina
This study presents some results of a quantitative and qualitative research of the microarthropod fauna associated with pastures in Katsikas region, Co. Ioannina. These results refer to the period from November 1993 to October 1995. The quantitative analysis showed the presence of 41 mite aπd 15 insect taxa. The evaluation of these taxa, using the criteria of dominance and frequency showed that the most characteristic taxa were the following: a) grass-pasture: Entomobryidae, Lepidocyrtidae and Isotomidae from Collembola, Thripidae (especially Aptinothrips rufus) from Thysanoptera, Aphididae from Homoptera, Acaridae (especially Tyrophagus spp.) frοm Asigmata, Oribatulidae frοm Cryptostigmata, Tarsonemidae, Tydeidae (especially Tydeus kochi) and Eupodidae from Prostigmata and Phytoseiidae (especially Amblyseius graminis) fom Mesostigmata, b) broadleaved pasture: Entomobryidae, Hypogastruridae and Onychiuridae from Collembola, Thripidae and Phloeothripidae from Thysanoptera, Aphididae from Homoptera, Acaridae (especially Tyrophagus spp.) from Astigιnata, Oribatulidae from Cryptostigmata, Tydeidae (especially Tydeus kochi) and Tarsonemidae from Prostigmata, Ascidae, Eviphididae (especially Alliphis halleri) and Phytoseiidae (especially Amblyseius obtusus) from Mesostigmata. As for the seasonal fluctuation of some of the most important taxa: a)Thripidae developed high population densities during summer οn the broad-leaved pasture and during spring and winter on the grass one, b) Collembola showed population peaks on the cool and humid periods ofthe year on both plots, c) Acaridae and Cryptostigmata showed the highest population densities in spring and autumn.
Rhopalocera-Lepidoptera found in rangeland ecosystems of Greece. Geographical distribution and hosts
The insects have an important role in rangeland ecosystems. Among them, the class Lepidoptera is connected with plants in two ways. During the larval stage it parasitizes the different plants’ parts and during the adult stage contributes in their pollination. Half of the families of Rhopalocera found worldwide are represented in Greece. The investigation of their geographical distribution and hosts could offer νaluable information for a better understanding of the complex biotic relationships of the rangeland ecosystems. According to our data, 185 species of Rhopalocera exist in Greece and are connected with the rangeland ecosystems. Their geographical distribution is as follows: 34 species are present throughout all the country, 75 everywhere except Crete, 34 in North Greece, 25 in North and Central Greece and another 17 in more nanrrow geographical regions. The families and subfamilies of the Rhopalocera during the larval stage are either in close feeding connection with botanical families (eg. subfamily Satyrinae-Poaceae) or not ( eg. family Lycaenidae- Polygonaceae, Fabaceae, Larniaceae and shrub).
Legume species growth patterms and their establishment ability in various environments
Growth pattems and establishιnent ability of three perennial legumes Medicago sativa, Trifolium pratense and Trifoliuιn repens and three varities of the annual legume Trifolium subterraneunι Barker, Trikkala, Woogenellup were studied under semi -arid cliιnate conditions under a Pinus bmtia understory and on spoil piles. Leaf area (LA), specific leaf weight (SLW), specific leaf area (SLA), the growth rate of plant total height and root length, as the ratios of total height/total root system dry weight to plant leaf area /total root system dry weight to plant level were measured during the growing season. Our results showed that Medicago sativa and the varity Barker of Trifolium subterraneum species were the most productive species. The best establishment ability under a Pinus understory had the species Trifolium repens and the varities Trikkala and Barker and on spoil piles the species Medicago sativa and the varity Woogenellup.
Analysis of the family Poaceae (Gramineae) on the subalpine grassland flora of ΝΕ. Greece
The present paper is dealing with the chloristic, phytogeographical analysis of the family Poaceae (Gramineae) of the subalpine and the upper montane grasslands of North East Greece. Α list of 62 taxa, which are classified to 25 genera, 56 species and 6 subspecies, is presented. The majority of the taxa are caespitose hemicryptophytes (>90%). On the basis of duration of life, perennial herbs predominate. Conceming their chorology, there is an obvious dominance of the wide spread-in a wide sense taxa-with an abundance of Balkan endemics. The geographical distribution of the species of the family in various mountains of ΝΕ . Greece is also presented.
