An investigation of soil Chilopoda from Semeskandeh forest (Sari, Mazandaran, Iran)

Present study was conducted to investigate soil Chilopoda and the density and diversity of them in different soil layers in Semeskandeh forest as an example of Hyrcanian forests during one year (2012 to 2013). To this end, soil samplings were performed every two months intervals during different seasons and the samples were also separated as leaf litter, 0-3 cm and 3-6 cm. In sum, three species of Chilopoda were collected and identified from Semeskandeh forest. Henia bicarinata comprised the highest density whereas Lithobius forficatus had the lowest density. The highest density of Chilopoda tack placed in leaf litter during autumn whereas the lowest density was in 3-6 cm layer also in autumn. The highest diversity of Chilopoda was in 0-3 cm layer during summer and the lowest diversity was in 3-6 cm layer in summer. Totally, the density and diversity of Chilopoda were high in leaf litter than deep soil layers.