Preliminary Studies on the Invertebrate Microfauna Associated with A Terrestrial Moss, Hyophila sp. in Urban Areas of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Bryophytes provide microhabitat, optimal temperature condition, and act as reliable nutrient sources for invertebrate fauna. In the present study, microscopic analysis of the invertebrate micro fauna associated with a terrestrial moss, Hyophila sp. was examined. The work was conducted for a period of six months from october to march and the invertebrate microfauna was recorded for two different seasons (october-december and january – march). It was found that protozoans, rotifers, nematodes, eggs or cysts and certain larvae were present throughout the study period. However, their proportions were significantly altered during the two different seasons. Metabolically active animals were seen in higher numbers during monsoon period (October-december) compared to higher number of eggs and cysts during drier months (January –march). This study highlights the different microfaunal population associated with the urban moss, Hyophila sp. and adds to the growing pool of literature on moss- microfaunal association.