The significance of the millipede Glomeris marginata (Villers) for oak-litter decomposition and an approach of its part in energy flow

Abstract

Glomeris marginata (Villers) is a widespread inhabitant of litter layers in temperate deciduous forests with both mor and mull conditions. In oak forests in The Netherlands it occurs frequently, at densities of 5–10 mature individuals per square meter. G. marginata feeds mainly on moderately decomposed litter. Under laboratory conditions, about 90% of the ingested leaf litter is returned to the soil as faecal pellets measuring approximately 1.5–2.0 × 1.0–1.5 mm and consisting mainly of leaf fragments with a surface area of up to 1 mm². The decomposition of pellets of G. marginata on a diet of hazel leaves was studied by Nicholson et al. (1966).