Arthropods in nests of the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) in Poland

Beetles, moths, spiders and mites collected from the nests of the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) in the years 1997-98 in a study area near Leszno in W Poland were analysed. The total number of nests checked was 28, and arthropods were found in 75 \% of them. Only one nest was inhabited by a parasitic arthropod species (the blowfly Protocalliphora azurea). Altogether two species of moths, five of beetles, two of spiders, and 44 species of mites (21 spp. Oribatida and 23 spp. Gamasida) were identified. One species (Typhlodromus wichmanni, Acari, Gamasida) was found for the first time, and one (Paragarmania dentriticus, Acari, Gamasida) for the second time in Poland.