Abstract: The distribution of mistletoe species (Loranthaceae) correlates to specific host plants and habitats. Here, we investigated the distribution of mistletoe species over 292 plots (20 m×20 m) of subtropical forest community with three transects along an elevation gradient (175-3106 m) in western Hubei. Results showed that there were seven species parasitizing 40 different host plant species. Mistletoes were distributed between the elevation of 194 m and 2011 m. Species diversity increased and then decreased with increasing elevation, and concentrated from 600 m to 1000 m, showing a unimodal pattern. The parasitic intensity of different mistletoes on host plants depended on specific species, with mistletoes being generally found on the tall deciduous trees. The “mid-elevation peak” in mistletoe diversity was observed along the elevation gradient in western Hubei, which may be related with host availability and diversity.

Key words: mistletoe, diversity, elevation gradient, mid-elevation peak, host selectivity.