Large soil invertebrates of terrestrial ecosystems near the hydrothermal springs of the Pymvashor stream

Study Extent

Data collection was carried out in August 2019. We conducted research near the hot springs of the Pymvashor stream, karst zones, tundra and forest outside the hydrothermal system.

Sampling

Sampling was carried out at 8 sites: one site in each thermal zone and karst zones (5 samples each), tundra and shrub-green moss spruce forest (25 samples each) and one site with rock vegetation at the entrance to the cave (5 samples).

Quality Control

The data were collected and identified to species by specialist from the Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Method steps

1. At each site, five soil samples were taken at random using a core with a diameter of 10 cm to a depth of 5-10 cm. In the tundra and forest, 25 samples were taken on a grid every five meters. Soil samples were delivered to the Institute of Biology (IB Komi SC UB RAS), Syktyvkar. Extraction was performed in Tullgren funnel extractors for seven-ten days under 40 Watt bulbs using a 96 % alcohol. The extraction time was sufficient for soil to reach the air-dry condition. Large soil invertebrates were counted and identified under a binocular microscope.

1. Lumbricidae
   rank: family
2. Lithobiidae
   rank: family
3. Carabidae
   rank: family
4. Staphylinidae
   rank: family
5. Elateridae
   rank: family
6. Diptera
   rank: order

Thermal springs Pymvashor are located on the Chernyshov ridge (Ural deflection, east of the Bolshezemelskaya tundra) in the Adzva river basin (right tributary of the Usa river). These are the only active hydrothermal systems in the Far North, the northernmost in Europe. Springs are located in the tundra zone in a remote area. Since 2000, this territory has been included in the cadastre of protected areas of Russia and is a natural monument of regional significance.