The spores of Schistostega
pennata (Hedw.) Web. et Mohr have sticky surface and can not be freely dispersed
by wind in fresh state. Also spore surface ornamentation is very similar to
that of Splachnum, Tetraplodon and Aplodon, genera strictly
adapted to entomochory; this allows to suggest the adaptation to zoochory in Schistostega.
Other evidences of zoochory in Schistostega are based on its recent
rapid expansion in some parts of Central Russia, on habitat peculiarities, and
on some other parallels in morphology with Splachnaceae. The possible dispersal
agents are discussed (birds, mammals, insects, spiders, etc.), but no one of
them can be chosen as the main one, at least in the forests of Central Russia.