ACARI OF THE SUPRALITTORAL ZONE ON SUB-ANTARCTIC SOUTH GEORGIA

The supralittoral zone on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia is marked by tidal debris and lichens similar to those on temperate shores and, uniquely at the site studied, accumulations of whalebone. All substrata are inhabited by mites which form a common but distinctly supralittoral community. The possible effects of some factors associated with these substrata, inclusing microclimate parameters, nutrient availability and mechanical stability are related to acarine diversity and density.