Biases and distribution patterns in hard-bodied microscopic animals (Acari: Halacaridae): Size does not matter, but generalism and sampling effort do

Abstract

Aim: The interplay between distribution ranges, species traits and sampling and taxonomic biases remains elusive amongst microscopic animals. This ignorance obscures our understanding of the diversity patterns of a major component of biodiversity. Here, we used marine Halacaridae to explore whether differences between marine provinces can explain their distribution patterns or if differential sampling efforts across regions prevent any macroecological inference. Furthermore, we test if certain functional traits influence their distribution patterns. Location: Europe. Results: Whereas geographical variables provided a better explanation for differences in species composition, sampling effort and distance from marine biological stations accounted for the majority of differences in European Halacaridae richness. Species occurring in more habitats showed broader geographical ranges and accumulated more records. Species traits like generalism affected the distribution of halacarid species. Main Conclusions: We propose that the sampling effort of halacarid mites in Europe might be explained by two different cognitive biases: the convenience of selecting certain sampling localities compared to others and the tendency of zoologists to scrutinise habitats where their target organisms are more common.