The species composition and structure of scuttle fly communities (Diptera: Phoridae) in mature tree stands in pine forests at different stages of habitat degradation

Abstract

Phoridae were stud ied in pine canopies in th ree pine forests in Poland: Puszcza Białowieska, Puszcza Biała and Boiy Tucholskie. 116 species of scuttle fly were recorded, including 2 new to science and 12 new to Poland. The phorid communities of this hab ita t are dominated by species of the genus Megaselia. th a t are common and have a wide distribution. The s truc tu re of phorid communities depends on the degree of hab ita t degradation of forests. Increase of the hab i? ta t degradation resu lts in a decrease of num be r and abundance of species, especially zoophages.