Diversity Patterns of Collembola in an Elevational Gradient in the NW Slope of Iztaccíhuatl Volcano, State of Mexico, Mexico

Abstract

Data are presented about the pattern diversity of springtails found in moss on bark along an elevational gradient (2,750–3,440 m) on the NW slope of Iztaccíhuatl Volcano, State of Mexico, Mexico. The study includes sampling carried out at seven elevations. Calculated indices were: species richness (S), Shannon's diversity index (H′), Pielou's evenness index (J′) and Simpson dominance (λ). A linear regression analysis was made to evaluate the effect of elevation on the total springtail density. The total number of species was 30, with 18 species from the lowest elevation and 9 species from the highest. The greatest density was obtained at the highest elevation. Pseudisotoma sensibilis, Willowsia mexicana and Americabrya arida were the dominant species, and there is a positive significant relationship between the elevation and their density. The greatest similarity between communities in agreement with dendrogram is near 80% between elevations of 3,115 and 3,250m.