Seasonal Abundance and Spatial Distribution of Species Diplotemnus balcanicus (Pseudoscorpiones: Atemnidae) in Agricultural Habitats of Southern Iraq

Abstract

The seasonal abundance of Diplotemnus balcanicus (Redikorzev, 1928) and its spatial distribution were investigated in agricultural habitats and locations whithin Province of Dhi Qar, south of Iraq, during the periods from July 2025 to June 2026. The samples collected monthly from 12 sites across 4 stations these are (Al-Nasr, Al-Rifai, Qalat Sukkar, and Al-Shatrah). Four hours was the one sampling time at each station. were collected manually and litter sieving, then specimens identified according to their morphological features and published descriptions. During collection, relative humidity and air temperature were recorded. A total of ninety (90) individuals were found and collected, Monthly and seasonal variation were clear. The peak monthly abundance was in October with 15 individuals with a ratio of abundance of (16.67%), followed by September with a ratio of (13, 14.44%) and November with a ratio of (12, 13.33%). No individuals were found in January (0%), and only one individual in February. Seasonally, the highest abundance was in autumn with 40 individuals with a ratio of (44.44%), spring was with a ratio of (27, 30.00%), summer ration was (20, 22.22%), and winter had the lowest ration with (3, 3.33%). Spatially, abundance was similar across stations: 24 at Al-Nasr station, 23 at both stations of Al-Rifai and Qalat Sukkar, and 20 at Al-Shatrah station. Study results indicate a strong seasonal peak of D. balcanicus during autumn and spring seasons, along with a similar presence of D. balcanicus across the stations. The study offers baseline new quantitative data on this species’ ecology in Iraq and underscores the importance of multi-year research incorporating microhabitat and lifecycle different factors.