Abstract: Mires are considered to be an important type of wetland ecosystem. The unique environment like its acidic, waterlogged and deoxygenated conditions raises diverse inhabitants that constitute an indispensable component in global biodiversity. In this study, we investigated chironomids in two subalpine mires of Qizimeishan and Erxianyan, western Hubei Province, and attempted to figure out the potential controlling factors on the chironmomids’ composition and distribution. The results revealed that: 1) the chironomid communities were mainly dominated by acidophilic or epiphytic taxa. Tanytarsus pallidicornistype2 and Tribelos sp. were the most abundant taxa in Qizimeishan mire, and Pseudorthocladius sp., Tribelos sp. and Pseudosmittia sp. were dominant taxa in Erxianyan mire; 2) conductivity, calcium concentration and water table depth were the significant environmental factors in shaping chironomid communities. This study was the first report in China about chironomid compositions in mires, and provided important information for further understanding biodiversity in mires.

Key words: antioxidant response, earthworm, growth, chlorpyrifos, Cu