The focus of this thesis is the ecology of invasive millipedes (Diplopoda) in the family Julidae. This particular group of millipedes are thought to be introduced into North America from Europe and are now widely found in many urban, anthropogenic habitats in the U.S. Why are these animals such effective colonizers and why do they seem to be mostly present in anthropogenic habitats? In a review of the literature addressing the role of millipedes in nutrient cycling, the interactions of millipedes and communities of fungi and bacteria are discussed. The presence of millipedes stimulates fungal growth while fungal hyphae and bacteria positively effect feeding intensity and nutrient assimilation efficiency in millipedes. Millipedes may also utilize enzymes from these organisms.
In a continuation of the study of the ecology of the family Julidae, a comparative study was completed on mites associated with millipedes in the family Julidae in eastern North America and the United Kingdom. The goals of this study were:
1. To establish what mites are present on these millipedes in North America
2. To see if this fauna is the same as in Europe
3. To examine host association patterns looking specifically for host or habitat specificity.
In 2008-2009 millipedes and mites were collected in the eastern U.S. and in the U.K. Millipedes were identified to species and mites were identified to morphospecies.
Prevalence of mites for most species is low to medium (< 1/3) and average intensity is low, < 5 mites. Little evidence was found for host specificity in family Julidae, although this may be a possibility in some other taxa. There was some evidence for locality specificity on the part of the mites, and specificity for area or habitat cannot be rejected. Overall this study shows that millipedes seem to have the same mites as other ground dwelling arthropods.